Rumor: Sony shutting down SOCOM developer

Though not officially confirmed, rumor has it that Sony may be shutting down Zipper Interactive, the developer of the SOCOM series and MAG.

March 26, 2012 4:00 PM3

Sony may be looking to close its first-party developer Zipper Interactive, maker of the SOCOM series and MAG. According to the rumor, the studio is already in the process of being shut down, though Sony has yet to issue an official comment either refuting or denying the mounting speculation.

The rumor, first reported by Kotaku, claims that Zipper Interactive is currently undergoing layoffs. The report points to the poorer-than-expected performance of the massively-multiplayer shooter MAG and SOCOM 4, which released during a protracted PlayStation Network outage. The “extent of layoffs,” though not described in detail, indicate a closure rather than a restructuring.

Zipper Interactive’s last game was Unit 13 for the PS Vita.

We’ve reached out to Sony for comment, and will update this story if we hear an official response.

[Update: Since the time of the initial post and our inquiry, Sony has declined to address the specific rumors, stating that “SCEA does not comment on rumors or speculation.”]