Sony acquires Media Molecule

Sony Computer Entertainment has announced the acquisition of Surrey, UK-based LittleBigPlanet developer, Media Molecule.

The move has been made in order to "secure excellence in game development for current and future PlayStation platforms," according to a statement from the publisher, with the studio's title having successfully created a dedicated community of gamers and creators across the world.

To-date over 2 million user-generated levels have been created by players and made available to the community for free, while the game itself has won over 90 awards, including 2 BAFTAs and 8 AIAS Interactive Achievement Awards.

"Since they burst onto the gaming scene, Media Molecule have proved to be a truly exciting and innovative studio, who have proved their world-class credentials with the creation of the incredible LittleBigPlanet," said Shuhei Yoshida, president of SCE Worldwide Studios. "SCE WWS is all about creating ambitious, innovative and ground breaking games, traits that Media Molecule clearly have.

"To bring them into our family proves our dedication to creating fantastic new experiences that we believe will cement our position as industry leaders."

And co-founder of the studio, Alex Evans, added: "Since Media Molecule's inception, we've had a uniquely close relationship with SCE. Over the years they have consistently shown their dedication to creative gaming and Media Molecule, not only through their support of the company, but their willingness to take risks and embrace our often unusual approach and ideas.

"What we've achieved already with LittleBigPlanet has proved this to us and we're excited by this new chapter of innovation and creative gaming, for all involved."

Media Molecule joins a host of other studios that now form part of the Worldwide Studios family. To find out more about the company, check out the most recent GamesIndustry.biz interview with Alex Evans.