Sony Studio Liverpool Team Reborn as Firesprite

Have you noticed any classic game that is missing from the launch of this console generation? WipeOut anyone? Besides being a favourite on console since the original PlayStation, the futuristic flier also became a very popular series with PSP and Vita fans. Sadly, the studio behind it, Sony Liverpool closed it’s doors in 2012. But now it appears that many of the big guns behind past studio hits are resurfacing as the new studio Firesprite and games are coming.

Studio Liverpool, previously named Psygnosis has produced some of the most influential hits in the PlayStation lifetime. Besides producing some of the most iconic and thrilling early PlayStation games, you may remember the awesome beats they rocked in WipeOut. It must be something in the water, Liverpool, UK also being home to the legendary dance nightclub brand Cream. Now that much of the old team is reborn under Firesprite, could we see more WipeOut and Formula One games?

Trademarking mystery

What’s with the name change? The Psygnosis studio has been around since 1983 but was acquired by Sony Electronic Publishing in 1993, just two years before the original PlayStation launch. The studio was later merged into the Sony Computer Entertainment fold in 1999, with the Psygnosis brand remade as SCE Studio Liverpool. The sad decision to close the studio then followed in 2012. Eurogamer reported that the team was working on a PS4 version of WipeOut however.

Back in September Sony got many of us talking when they filed for a trademark for Psygnosis. You may remember that was the original name for the studio behind the WipeOut and F1 (formula one) games. Later it was renamed as Sony Liverpool, though commonly called Studio Liverpool. Now, this trademark, which comes a year after the closure of Studio Liverpool, has given hope to the millions of fans that enjoyed their games.

Firesprite

We now know what’s been happening, many of the inspired minds behind the Studio Liverpool classics have now regrouped under the new studio Firesprite and are busy working on new projects. They even revealed that they worked together on assisting with the PS4 Playroom via Studio Japan.

So what’s it like being back in business? Firesprite Studio Managing Director, Graeme Ankers told IGN:

The founding team met up socially after Studio Liverpool and we talked about all the things we had achieved over the years, the platform launches, the variety of games, going back to [the] Psygnosis days and through to F1 and WipEout. We knew we wanted to carry on making great games…It’s an energetic mix of experience and new talent…We’re excited about the future. It’s a great time to be making games and it’s what we love…Unfortunately, I can’t talk about the next game yet, sometime soon I hope.

What about the prospect of a new WipeOut? Firesprite’s Technical Director, Chris Roberts:

We have been working hard on creating a new game engine and tool chain that allows us to put the creative power in the best hands – the artists and designers…I don’t know where this journey is going to take us. Ultimately, we love these games, but the decision isn’t ours. WipEout is a special game. Its soul comes from Liverpool’s development history.

We will keep you updated on Firesprite games news and particularly WipeOut. Feel free to lounge around on Sony’s WipeOut HD site to let them know how many pilots in waiting they have! Check out our recommendations for awesome beats to fill your ears while flying.

Via IGN and Junkey Monkeys