Sony Online Entertainment is a studio and publisher that has been instrumental in getting the MMO genre where it is today. Following layoffs at its studios in Austin and San Diego last year Sony has decided to sell this division to an investment management firm based in New York. Sony Online Entertainment has been acquired by Columbus Nova for an undisclosed amount.
The studio has a series of blockbuster hits under its belt. It currently plays host to EverQuest, PlanetSide 2, DC Universe Online, H1Z1, Landmark and the highly-anticipated EverQuest Next. Sony Online Entertainment has been in this business since 1999.
Columbus Nova will allow SOE to operate as an independent game development studio which will continue its focus on online games, providing service to existing player base, “while centering on its untapped potential as a multi-platform online gaming company.”
Sony Online Entertainment is also going to get a name change. It will be rebranded and operate under the new moniker of Daybreak.
John Smedley, President of what is now known as Daybreak, says that they are excited to join Columbus Nova’s roster of companies. The team is “eager to move forward to see how we can push the boundaries of online gaming.”
Under the new ownership Daybreak is going to have access to more resources than it did under Sony’s umbrella so it would be exciting to see what the future holds for this studio.
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