TOKYO--Sony Computer Entertainment announced today that it is forming SCE Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS), a new organization that will manage all of SCE's internal international developers as of September 1, 2005. During the past 10 years, SCE has established studios in Japan, North America, Europe, and South Korea in order to produce games that match each region's tastes. SCE says that having a single entity overseeing all operations will facilitate the creation of global hits and will be responsible for creative, technical, and strategic direction of development and production of computer entertainment software.

Phil Harrison, executive vice president of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, has been named president of SCE Worldwide Studios. Working closely with the management and studios in Japan, North America, and Europe, he will oversee all of SCE's game development operations.

"SCE is unique in having innovative development studios in the US, Europe, and Japan that have each created numerous global hit titles. By combining the wealth of creativity and talent of games development we can dramatically change the landscape of computer entertainment," said Harrison. "I am honored to be taking on that challenge working alongside the best people in the business."

"As SCE enters its second decade, we need to reinforce our games development power and create new entertainment experiences that will bring out the best of the technology in platforms such as PSP, PlayStation 3, and beyond," said Ken Kutaragi, president and CEO of SCE.