Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) has this week been acquired by Columbus Nova, with the former PlayStation-exclusive developer now known as the multiformat studio, Daybreak Game Company.
As a result of the move, the company will now focus on producing video games for PlayStation, PC, and Xbox formats.
This also means that games that were previously only available on PlayStation systems, such as the superhero MMO, DC Universe Online, may now come to Xbox consoles.
"Today, we are pleased to announce that we have been acquired by Columbus Nova, an investment management firm well known for its success with its existing portfolio of technology, media and entertainment focused companies. This means that effective immediately SOE will operate as an independent game development studio where we will continue to focus on creating exceptional online games for players around the world, and now as a multi-platform gaming company. Yes, that means PlayStation and Xbox, mobile and more.
As part of this transition, SOE will now become Daybreak Game Company. This name embodies who we are as an organization, and is a nod to the passion and dedication of our employees and players. It is also representative of our vision to approach each new day as an opportunity to move gaming forward."
John Smedley, former head of SOE and now heading up Daybreak Game Studio, commented:
"We are excited to join Columbus Nova’s impressive roster of companies. They have a proven track record in similar and related industries and we are eager to move forward to see how we can push the boundaries of online gaming.”
You can check out some of his tweets below.
can’t wait to make Xbox One games!
— John Smedley (@j_smedley) February 2, 2015
1) All our games are still up and will continue to be despite our new name.
— John Smedley (@j_smedley) February 2, 2015
SOE hasn’t had the best few years, with a number of its properties, such as The Matrix Online and Star Wars Galaxies, failing to meet financial expectations. As a result, the studio was forced to lay off a number of employees in its San Diego and Austin offices.
Speaking about SOE’s acquisition, Wedbush Morgan analyst, Michael Pachter, told GI.biz:
"I think that Sony Online is profitable, but not particularly strategic for Sony. Remember, they are a consumer electronics manufacturer, so to some extent, owning movie and television studios makes sense in order to drive Blu-ray player and TV sales. However, owning an online gaming company isn’t a great fit, particularly as games are shifting increasingly to a free-to-play mobile model.
I would imagine they weren’t shopping SOE so much as they received an unsolicited offer, and I think that they will be fine without contribution from that side of the business. I’m glad Smedley went with the company, as he built that business from scratch and deserves a lot of credit."
Stay tuned to PSU for more details on Daybreak Game Company’s future plans.