Sony Studio Liverpool Were Formerly Known As Psygnosis.

Last week we reported the sad news that there was a “restructuring” process going on at Sony’s Studio Liverpool. News this morning from Develop suggests that the “restructuring” is likely to result in a cull of 50%.

An affected staff member told Develop that the layoff was looking “heavy”, estimating “around half us may be gone”.

Sony are still refusing to comment on the particulars, stating “project prioritization” as the reason for the restructuring.

Wipeout HD, How We Love Thee.

We’ve made it no secret that we want another Wipeout game this year. In fact, right up until this point we’d assumed the excellent Sony Studio Liverpool were quietly crafting away a new iteration. But whispers over on WipeoutZone and TheSixthAxis suggest that isn’t the case.

In fact, WipeoutZone are reporting that close to the entire studio has been closed. A statement from SCEE issued to TheSixthAxis reported:

“It has been decided that production on a number of projects within Studio Liverpool will cease immediately due to project prioritization.

“Our North West Studio Group has been and will continue to be a vital cog in the Worldwide Studio family, with a history of producing genre defining games such as MotorStorm, WipEout, Formula 1 and World Rally Championship and this decision will have no impact on the role that the North West Studio Group will play in the future of all PlayStation platforms.”

Rumblings we’ve heard suggest there is definitely a new MotorStorm game coming from Evolution Studios, but if Studio Liverpool has now been closed, then what of Wipeout? You can’t just stop making a game that good?

Needless to say, we’re gutted for those who have lost jobs and wish them the very best in the future. But on a more personal level, we’re pining for the Wipeout game that was, presumably, deep in development.

More when we get it.

Advertising Is Still Causing Problems In Wipeout HD.

Remember when Sony removed the advertising from PSN racer Wipeout HD due to fan’s concerns over load times? Well, we’re afraid to report that those ads are back – and are still causing load problems. A patch bringing the game up to version 2.10 claims to fix loading problems while delivering adverting content. So far, so fine?

However, Joystiq constructed an experiment that found levels take a whole 5 seconds longer to load when delivering advertising content.

Expect a backlash.

New Advertising Is Headed To Wipeout HD.

Wipeout HD will be updated to version 2.10 soon. “New content on the way?” we hear you ask. Well, kinda. Despite some front-end fixes, the patch’s main feature will change the way in-game ads are displayed. You may recall some controversy a while back involving Wipeout HD’s loading ads for State Farm. Sony pulled those ads almost immediately and are claiming to have learned their lesson. SCEE marketing executive Mikel Arrien said, “We have [..] focused on ensuring that the advertising is embedded as sympathetically to the overall experience as possible.”

Still, while Sony have learned their lesson, ads are definitely still headed to Europe. “WipEout and in-game advertising and sponsorship have gone hand-in-hand since 1996, when a now famous energy drink appeared in the seminal Wipeout 2097 and over the years many brands and products have been associated with the series,” Arrien said.

Hopefully Wipeout HD doesn’t build a relationship with “Cash For Gold” and “Confused.com”.

Wipeout HD - Now Available On Store Shelves Too. Finally.

The PSN’s crown jewel, Wipeout HD, is finally getting a retail release. The excellent Wipeout HD will retail at £19.99 in stores from October 16th and will include the original game and the excellent Fury expansion pack.

If you haven’t got this game yet, we absolutely urge you to pick it up. It’s one of the Playstation 3’s best titles, a real gem.

How's That Record In My Wipeout HD: T.K.O.E.P. by Tettix.

A little known chip-pop star from Atlanta, Georgia; Judson Cowan is renowned in music circles for his blend of pop, electro and classic chip sounds from retro hardware — think the Genesis/Mega Drive’s FM chip and the tonky-tones of the Nintendo Entertainament System — as electro outfit Tettix.

Click here to continue reading and tell us what you think

Advertising Is Now Gone From Wipeout HD.

Never say Sony don’t care about their fans. Following some bad responses from fans of Wipeout HD regarding the inclusion of advertising on the game’s loading screens, Sony have pulled the feature.

“The ad has been removed from WipEout HD“, a Sony rep told Eurogamer, “and we are investigating the situation to ensure that any in-game advertising does not affect gameplay”.

Note, this doesn’t mean Sony are going to pull advertising entirely, they just won’t be affecting load times by slapping the ads on the load screen. We’ve already said we’re fine with advertising on the game’s billboards.

Still, have to respect that customer service from Sony.