Sony Computer Entertainment Changes Its Name Today

Sony Computer Entertainment and Sony Network Entertainment are no more, at least in name.

The two companies have folded into Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), a new company that is headquartered in San Mateo, California, with other offices in Tokyo and London. This change, which was announced in January, became effective today, April 1. This is no April Fools' Day gag.

PlayStation executive Andrew House says bringing the companies today will help SIE become an "even stronger entity, with a clear objective to further accelerate the growth of the PlayStation business.

"Along with our business partners, SIE will develop pioneering services and products that will continue to inspire consumers’ imaginations and lead the market."

SIE's charter is to "retain and expand PlayStation user engagement," as well as increase average revenue per paying user (ARPPU). "SIE will vigorously expand the PlayStation business by delivering an integrated experience built around best-in-class games and network services to consumers worldwide," Sony said.

The diamond-shaped SCE logo is staying. And as you can see in this tweet from PlayStation Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida, the name change is already reflected in the company's offices.

This isn't the only big change to Sony's corporate structure recently. Just last week, Sony announced the formation of a brand-new subsidiary that would focus on making mobile games for the Asia market.