- The closure comes as part of a reorganization within its Studio Business Group.
- Neon Koi, originally founded as Savage Game Studios, was developing a AAA mobile title before its shut down.
- Sony is committed to finding placement options for affected employees.
As part of the reorganization of its Studio Business Group, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) has revealed the shutdown of its two studios, Neon Koi and Firewalk Studios. While mobile gaming is a priority growth area for its Studio Business, the company’s mobile efforts are “still in the very early stages”, Sony confirmed in the official statement.
Neon Koi was working on a AAA mobile title before it shut down
The news was shared by Hermen Hulst, CEO of SIE’s Studio Business Group in an internal email to the employees. Considering the projects included in Sony’s games portfolio, the mail states to evaluate its games portfolio and the status of the projects. Seizing such opportunities was necessary to keep pace with changing player needs as well as their revenue streams.
On the mobile side, the official statement read: “While mobile remains a priority growth area for the Studio Business, we are in the very early stage of our mobile efforts. To achieve success in this area we need to concentrate on titles that are in line with PlayStation Studios’ pedigree and have the potential to reach more players globally. “
Neon Koi, founded as Savage Game Studios in 2020, was acquired by Sony Interactive Entertainment in 2022 as the first member of PlayStation Studios’ Mobile Division. It was then rebranded as Neon Koi in November 2023.
Before its shutdown, Neon Koi was developing a AAA mobile title. However, as Neon Koi will close, the development of this mobile action game will not continue. Meanwhile, Firewalk Studios developed Concord, a first-person shooter that shut down earlier this September, just two weeks after its launch.
Sony confirms employees have been affected as they look for placement options
With this closure, some employees Neon Koi and Firewalk Studios have been affected as well. Sony recognized this and has assured that they will look for placement options for some of those affected in their global network of studios where possible.
In the last few years, however, it has been evident that Sony wants to venture into the mobile gaming market. The acquisition of companies such as Savage Game Studios in 2022 and even ideas to improve mobile game controls, patents for a mobile gaming controller, and handheld gaming devices further suggest this.
The shutdown is a drawback for sure, but it is clear they want to keep their options open and leave a mark on the mobile space. It’ll be interesting to see what comes next for them. Keep an eye out for the updates.
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