Sony acquires Guerrilla Games

The 800-pound gorilla of the gaming industry is thumping its chest today over the purchase of Killzone developer Guerrilla Games from digital entertainment company Media Republic.

Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios president Phil Harrison had no shortage of positive things to say about the company's latest acquisition.

"Guerrilla have a great combination of creative, technical and production talent in their team and we have enjoyed a close working relationship with their management and staff for a number of years," Harrison said in a statement. "I am delighted that they will now become a member of the SCE Worldwide Studios network of developers. As we prepare for the launch of PlayStation 3 next year, this acquisition strengthens our development portfolio to take full advantage of the exciting entertainment opportunities provided by PSP, PlayStation 3 and beyond."

On the subject of taking advantage of the PSP, Sony announced that Guerrilla is currently working on "a further game within the Killzone universe" for the handheld, though no additional details were given.

As for the developer's previous owner, Media Republic cofounder and CEO Bas Verhart released a statement explaining the sale. "The development of high-end console games is a highly specialized business," Verhart said, "a business that simply fits better in the hands of market leader Sony Computer Entertainment. Media Republic will remain focused on developing new entertainment properties for new and existing digital channels."

Media Republic's next big project is Eccky, "the world's first virtual child raised by two user-parents via Mobile, Internet and Messenger."

Sony Computer Entertainment and the Amsterdam-based Guerrilla have always been close. Months before Killzone hit shelves, Sony was impressed enough with the developer's work to sign it to an exclusive publishing agreement. "This strategic alliance with one of Europe's hottest new creative and technical talents shows our determination to only work with the best, whether they are our in-house or not," Harrison said at the time.

Killzone was eventually released to mixed reviews, but a trailer for a new Killzone title spearheaded the show-stealing PlayStation 3 debut at this year's Electronics Entertainment Expo.