Zipper Interactive, developer of the SOCOM series of games and long-time partner of Sony, has been acquired by Sony Computer Entertainment.

January 25, 2006: Zipper Interactive is the development studio responsible for the SOCOM: US Navy SEALs line of games for the PlayStation 2 and PSP, and previously developed the PC titles Mechwarrior 3 and Crimson Skies. The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Sony has said that Zipper Interactive's current management team will stay in place.

"We were first drawn to Sony Computer Entertainment by their vision for growing the videogame industry," said Zipper Interactive president and CEO Jim Bosler. "We've enjoyed an incredible relationship with SCE for more than six years...As a part of the Sony Computer Entertainment group we can look forward to introducing innovative titles that push online functionality and community experiences even further."

This is the latest of a series of independent developer acquisitions, which now include Twisted Metal developer Incognito Entertainment, Killzone creators Guerrilla Games, and Naughty Dog, the team that created Jak and Daxter.

Pro-G