In a strategic move to secure excellence in game development for current and future PlayStation platforms, the acquisition of Evolution and Bigbig formalises the successful and long established exclusive relationship between Sony Computer Entertainment and the two studios.

Evolution Studios, based in Runcorn, England is the award-winning developer of MotorStorm, the million-selling #1 hit title for PS3. Since its establishment in 1999, SCE has enjoyed a highly productive and commercially successful relationship with Evolution -- a studio with an unrivalled track-record for quality and productivity, having shipped a title every year for 6 straight years. Evolution established its reputation as the successful developer of the World Rally Championship series on PS2, also published by SCE. The studio is currently working on the next installment of the Motorstorm franchise for PS3, scheduled for release in 2008 on Blu-ray Disc, along with content expansions for the original MotorStorm to be distributed via PlayStation Network.

Bigbig Studios, based in Leamington Spa, England was founded in 2001 with backing from Evolution Studios and SCE and is the developer of the Pursuit Force game for PSP, which has sold over 800,000 copies worldwide. The studio is currently working on the second title in the series, Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice, which will be available in October this year for PSP and on PS2 early in 2008.

"Our strategy is to create the best games by working with the best talent and Evolution and Bigbig are world-class additions to our team," said Phil Harrison, President of SCE Worldwide Studios. "The incredible people in these studios further extend the depth and skill of the industry's largest platform-exclusive development resource".

Following the acquisition, Mick Hocking, Managing Director of Evolution Studios, will also be appointed Group Studio Director for the three Studios; SCE WWS Liverpool Studio, Evolution and Bigbig, reporting directly to SCE WWS Vice President, Michael Denny.