[UPDATE] 38 Studios Pleads with R.I. Gov't for More Assistance

Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling, center, is followed by members of the media as he departs the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation headquarters, in Providence, R.I. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling asked Rhode Island for additional help to save his video game company Wednesday, prompting state leaders to consider whether the firm is viable enough to justify further investment.

[UPDATE] R.I. Gov't: Kingdoms of Amalur's 38 Studios in trouble

Screenshot from 38 Studios' Kingdoms of Amalur

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Associated Press) — Rhode Island leaders are working to help former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling's video game company remain viable after it failed to make a scheduled $1.125 million payment to the state's economic development agency.

Sony Shutters Zipper Interactive

Confirming rumors heard late last week, Sony has decided to close Zipper Interactive, the studio responsible for the PS2's SOCOM: U.S. Navy Seals and the PS3's MAG.

In a statement released to Game Informer today, Sony stated that the closing was "a result of a normal cycle of resource re-alignment within SCE WWS."

SOCOM, MAG, and Zipper's Vita offering, Unit 13, will continue to enjoy PSN support - Unit 13's Daily Challenges will also be updated.

At closing, Game Informer reports Zipper had around 80 employees.

VIA: Joystiq
SOURCE: Game Informer

[RUMOR] SOCOM creator Zipper to close its doors

Kotaku caught wind that Sony's first-party champion Zipper Interactive will be shutting down, in light of recent talk of layoffs and project cancellation.

Kotaku says the scope of the layoffs suggest that this is the end of the line for the SOCOM: U.S. Navy Seals dev.

SOCOM (and Zipper) created a multiplayer sensation for Sony during the last console era at a time when Sony struggled to find an online identity next to the fluent/affluent Xbox.

Sony declined to talk to Kotaku, citing the catch-all of canned publisher responses: no commenting on rumors.

Ohhh man, Jared's going to be upset.


SOURCE: Kotaku