Posted by Cyberia
Why now? Did the success of Marvel's Spider-Man weigh into this decision?
Sure. Spider-Man underscores how consequential Insomniac is to gaming in the overall. They are an impact maker. They are a style-setter. There are just a clutch of studios in that independent sphere who are at an accomplishment level of something like Insomniac. They are a very rare bird and we felt that this was the time to formalize the relationship.
What changes for Insomniac and your relationship now that they're under the fold?
For Insomniac themselves, nothing much changes at all. They're a fantastic studio, they deliver fantastic content. I don't think anyone will go in there and tell them how to make a game. They certainly got game of their own. I think what Worldwide Studios provides to them is a closer relationship to the innovation — whether it's in technology or game design that we're doing here. We've got a number of teams with extraordinary talent in game creation. We're in a place now where all of our teams are trading technology and techniques and innovation across studios to get better and stronger. I think there's only additive natures to it. There's nothing there that will change their culture or their ability to deliver the fabulous games they've been doing for 20 years.
Are you concentrating on existing IP or the creation of new IP with Insomniac?
All the studios at Worldwide Studios manage their franchise plans and manage their IP in a way they see best. Insomniac will be no different in that way. We'll look at what they walk into the fold with. If they have ideas around new game concepts, which every team does, we will look forward with great anticipation to what the future brings.
What is Sony's approach to acquiring studios?
We look at this from a Worldwide Studios perspective which has the encouragement and support of Sony Interactive Entertainment, my leadership, and Sony Corp. has been fully backing on this. Looking at something like Insomniac, an acquisition of a studio of that caliber and size was really a way for us to continue our strength in innovation and quality with a heavy leaning towards the power of narrative, the power of storytelling. These are things that, if you look across our catalogue, we do a lot in this genre. We want to tell stories. We want to create a place where game developers can bring their vision to life and tell stories that impact the emotions and interests of our gamers. Insomniac fits perfectly into the division that we created at Worldwide Studios here, leaning into first and best.
Why Sony Interactive Bought ‘Spider-Man’ Maker Insomniac Games
Shawn Layden, chairman of SIE Worldwide Studios, caught up with The Hollywood Reporter to discuss the acquisition of Insomniac Games, what it means for development on the studio's titles and the company's approach to acquiring studios and talent.
www.hollywoodreporter.com