Sony Establishes SCE Worldwide Studios

Officials from Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) have announced that the company is combining all its game development studios around the world into one administrative unit to form SCE Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS), effective at the start of this month. Previously separate studios in Japan, North America, Europe, and South Korea will now be organized under the same company structure. Phil Harrison, previously executive vice president of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE), has been appointed SCE WWS president, where he will oversee all of SCE's game software development operations. "SCE is unique in having innovative development studios in the U.S., Europe, and Japan, that have each created numerous global hit titles. By combining the wealth of creativity and talent of games development we can dramatically change the landscape of computer entertainment," said Phil Harrison. "I am honored to be taking on that challenge working alongside the best people in the business." "As SCE enters its second decade, we need to reinforce our games development power and create new entertainment experiences that will bring out the best of the technology in platforms such as PSP, PlayStation 3, and beyond," said Ken Kutaragi, president and group CEO at SCE. "PlayStation, favored by 200 million people all over the world, and Phil's strong leadership combined, I am confident that the power of our development studios are further empowered to create more new and innovative titles." No further details were given on how the new set-up would affect the continued relationship between Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) and SCEE. Many outside observers have commented on the apparent lack of communication between the two publishing arms, but with the formation of SCE WWS, the focus initially appears to be on streamlining development, not necessarily publishing and marketing.