Sony Online Entertainment is known for making a number of popular, mostly massively multiplayer games – things like Planetside 2, Everquest, DC Universe Online and H1Z1. Only now, they’re no longer part of Sony. Yes, Sony’s sold off the studio, who shall henceforth be known as Daybreak Game Company – and operate as a multiplatform independent.
They’ve been bought out by investment firm Columbus Nova.
“We are excited to join Columbus Nova’s impressive roster of companies,” said John Smedley, president of Daybreak Game Company. “They have a proven track record in similar and related industries and we are eager to move forward to see how we can push the boundaries of online gaming. We will continue to focus on delivering exceptional games to players around the world, as well as bringing our portfolio to new platforms, fully embracing the multi-platform world in which we all live.”
Daybreak Game Company will continue to work on the games it’s busy with: H1Z1, EverQuest Next, EverQuest Landmark and Planetside 2 – but now free from the shackles of Sony’s name, they’ll also be making games for mobile and Microsoft’s Xbox.
“So what exactly does this mean for you? It will be business as usual and all SOE games will continue on their current path of development and operation,” the developer said on Reddit. “In fact, we expect to have even more resources available to us as a result of this acquisition. It also means new exciting developments for our existing IP and games as we can now fully embrace the multi-platform world we are living in.”
Now while you may be apprehensive about the fact that the studio was sold to what sounds like an investment company filled with nameless, faceless suits, it has to be said that Columbus Nova is staffed by some pretty awesome people. Jason Epstein is a senior managing partner at Columbus Nova, and he – in his personal capacity – bought Rock Band and Dance Central maker Harmonix from Viacom, just so they could continue to make games independently.
Last Updated: February 3, 2015
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 3, 2015 at 13:07
Microtransactions! Microtransactions everywhere!
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 3, 2015 at 13:07
Microtransactions! Microtransactions everywhere!
Admiral Chief
February 3, 2015 at 13:15
I’ve been playing almost 2 years, and NOT ONCE have I bought anything
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 3, 2015 at 13:19
with an investment company now at the reigns…..
Admiral Chief
February 3, 2015 at 13:22
I know man, I know
z1n
February 3, 2015 at 13:22
Well to be honest Sony is an insurance company. So this was sold from an insurance company (mainly life insurance I believe) to an investment company that specialises in technology investment. I think this could actually be very good.
Admiral Chief
February 3, 2015 at 13:24
Now that you mention it…
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 3, 2015 at 13:27
lol you make an interesting point
Admiral Chief
February 3, 2015 at 13:08
BAH STUPID TR!!!
Admiral Chief
February 3, 2015 at 13:09
NC FOR LIFE!!!
Admiral Chief
February 3, 2015 at 13:18
Feast your eyes!
https://www.google.co.za/search?q=planetside+2+combat+2015&espv=2&biw=1920&bih=955&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=OK7QVM_LE8i7UbbcgcAO&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ#q=planetside+2+combat+2015&tbm=isch&tbs=isz:l
z1n
February 3, 2015 at 13:23
Columbus Novas site sucks. It’s just a bloody page in flash. Who the hell does this anymore and expects any decent penetration?
RinceThis
February 3, 2015 at 13:40
You said… 0_O
Admiral Chief
February 3, 2015 at 13:43
Deep dude, deeeep
Hammersteyn
February 3, 2015 at 13:47
Brazzers?
RinceThis
February 3, 2015 at 13:49
lol
z1n
February 3, 2015 at 15:51
Lies. Brazzers supports HTML5. I know this for a fact! …ehrm, I mean I heard it from a friend who goes to those sites.
And so TIL, apparently you should watch your wording on the interwebs.
Hammersteyn
February 3, 2015 at 15:53
Indeed, I mean I also heard those terms you mentioned came from that site I mentioned that I heard existed, but from a friend
z1n
February 3, 2015 at 15:55
You know, cause friends like to give friends a hand (um, subscription rather).
Hammersteyn
February 3, 2015 at 13:25
It would be great if Planetside 2 goes multi-plat. Everyone needs to play this, or try to play it, the internet being what it is
Admiral Chief
February 3, 2015 at 13:25
We need the following:
– Multi-plat
– SA server
– Buckets for all the console guys’ tears
Hammersteyn
February 3, 2015 at 13:26
XD
Admiral Chief
February 3, 2015 at 13:29
Buckets I say!
Hammersteyn
February 3, 2015 at 13:31
Bathtubs, I would shun my PS4 in favour of the PC. How can they possibly hit us without auto aim?
z1n
February 3, 2015 at 13:33
You upboated everyones comments here so far, but no one has returned the favour. Here, have some internet points…
Admiral Chief
February 3, 2015 at 13:34
XD
It is his severe OCD that kicks in
RinceThis
February 3, 2015 at 13:40
Ain’t that the truth. Almost as bad as Darryn’s ‘Gotta catch em all!’
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 3, 2015 at 14:11
I wonder how that is going?
Hammersteyn
February 3, 2015 at 13:56
Hahaha stick around, I do it consistently. it’s a compulsion of mine for the most part
z1n
February 3, 2015 at 15:48
M..m…muuust click arrow
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 3, 2015 at 14:10
Upboated hey? http://static.carthrottle.com/workspace/uploads/comments/upboat-5435ae4ee7d40.jpg
Ghost In The Rift
February 3, 2015 at 13:32
Hmmm, i predict more subliminal messages in games and another cult leeching the gaming industry.
Pieter Kruger
February 3, 2015 at 14:33
More excellent news for Xbox One owners! ????. But Sony fans rejoice, Square Enix confirmed that Sony will also be getting their very own exclusive Tomb Raider (type)game……..sorta! ROFL! But seriously, with Sony selling off 1st party studios and PC to Xbox streaming coming, there won’t be much left for Sony in the exclusive dept. ????
L337J1MB0B
February 3, 2015 at 14:43
Have you managed to find a match in Haloz yet?
Pieter Kruger
February 3, 2015 at 14:54
Still playing through all the single player campaigns so no!
Pieter Kruger
February 3, 2015 at 14:55
Makes sense now why Sony delayed their financial results, they needed this cash injection to soften the blow obviously! ????????????
FoxOneZA
February 3, 2015 at 16:29
Tears of joy?
Pieter Kruger
February 3, 2015 at 16:35
Only the first 3!
Pieter Kruger
February 3, 2015 at 16:26
“I can’t wait to make games for Xbox One” said Smedley! Oh, and we can’t wait to play them good sir!