Sony acquires Infamous dev Sucker Punch

"If you liked it, then you should've put a ring on it."

Apparently, Sony really liked inFamous 2, as it's finally acquired long-time partner Sucker Punch Productions--the studio behind the Sly Cooper and inFamous franchises. Although the Bellevue-based developer has enjoyed a twelve year partnership with Sony, it has always been an independent developer. According to the announcement, "day-to-day operations will continue to be run by the current management team and company founders."

Infamous & Sly Cooper

"I'd be lying if I said other groups weren't interested in a group like Sucker Punch," Scott Rohde, senior vice president, WWS, told CNBC. "The bottom line is, when you've got a group that's been as successful as Sucker Punch, we want to ensure that we keep them in the fold. It's that simple. It's hard to find high quality developers like these guys." It's obvious Sony doesn't want to see the studio depart, much like Ratchet and Resistance developer Insomniac Games. (The formerly Sony-exclusive studio is now working on the multi-platform Overstrike.)

"Sucker Punch Productions is one of the most highly acclaimed development studios in the industry and we have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the company for over 12 years. We are delighted to officially welcome them to the SCE family," said Shuhei Yoshida, president, SCE WWS in a press release. "The addition of Sucker Punch to SCE WWS reiterates our dedication to developing world class gaming experiences that can only be found on the PlayStation platform. With one of the strongest exclusive software lineups in the PS3's history, combined with the diverse, innovate content in the works for PlayStation Vita, consumers have a lot to be excited about this year."

"We've enjoyed an incredible relationship with Sony that has allowed us to combine our creative design capabilities with their guidance to make some of the best franchises to hit the PlayStation platforms. Equally important, the relationship with SCE has provided us the flexibility and trust to take creative risks and invent new properties," said Brian Fleming, managing partner, Sucker Punch Productions. "As a part of the Sony Computer Entertainment group we look forward to introducing more innovative content and providing consumers with exciting, new interactive experiences."