Sony Closes Zipper Interactive

Written by igcompany | 02 April 2012

Zipper Interactive, the company responsible of the SOCOM series will be closed down by Sony.

Rumours has been since last week and maybe that's why Sony decided to release a press release:

Sony Computer Entertainment can confirm the closure of Zipper Interactive, a Seattle-based internal game development studio that has been part of the global development operation of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS).

The closure is a result of a normal cycle of resource re-alignment within SCE WWS. Zipper has completed all work associated with its most recent project, Unit 13 for PlayStation Vita. Zipper titles MAG, SOCOM 4 and Unit 13 will continue to be supported, including the new Daily Challenges in Unit 13.

Zipper Interactive had a proximately 80 employees who did a great job. The studios worked on the recent game 'Unit 13' for Playstation Vita which makes us think what is Sony trying to do with this strange strategy ... they first let the studios release the game and the close them.

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Could Phantasy Star Online 2 save the Vita?

Written by igcompany | 16 March 2012

Could Phantasy Star Online 2 save the Vita?

Yep, we're not kidding - there is an MMORPG title coming to the Vita from a proven and popular series. Not only that, but it'll be cross-platform, as there's also a version of the game coming out on the PC. Phantasy Star Online 2 is just what the Vita needs to not only draw in more Japanese gamers, who still favour the PSP just as much (if not more), but also Western gamers still on the fence due to the console's price tag and launch lineup.

But is it enough?

In short - yes, if you're a western gamer who tends to play a wide variety of games, from Modern Warfare 3 to the games on http://www.poker.de/ . If you're in Japan, however, the only thing that's likely going to hook you in is another Monster Hunter, and given that their future releases were touted today without so much as a mention of that hugely popular franchise, Sony are really digging themselves into a deep hole.

All is not lost, however - MMOs are exactly what the Vita needs. It has the graphical and performance capability, multiple inputs (imagine assigning the back touchpad to different abilities instead of keybindings on a PC title), not to mention a WiFi connection which should allow for ease of connection (although perhaps not for those who value low latency and a decent ping).

Other titles for the Vita that could help it out a little would be heavily online, too, taking advantage of Near, perhaps (imagine questing with people geographically local to you - could make for a the start of a local gaming group). Additionally, lengthy titles would also help, as paying Vita prices for an eight-hour game is somewhat painful - FFX HD would feel like fantastic value for money as a huge, high-quality Japanese RPG on a portable would draw many more people towards the device. Hopefully we start seeing these titles soon.

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