New PlayStation studio Firesprite has acquired Fabrik Games

New PlayStation studio Firesprite has increased its talent pool with the acquisition of fellow UK-based developer Fabrik Games.

Sony announced in early September that it had acquired Firesprite, a Liverpool-based developer established in 2012 by former members of SIE Studio Liverpool, after it was closed down by the platform holder.

And on Wednesday, Firesprite announced it had purchased Manchester-based Fabrik, bringing the studio’s headcount to 265.

Fabrik was founded by Firesprite’s MD, Graeme Ankers, in 2014, and the two studios most recently collaborated on multiplatform survival horror game The Persistence.

Prior to that, Fabrik developed The Lost Bear for PlayStation VR and Oculus Rift, and Filthy Lucre for PS4 and PC.

“I’m delighted to announce that we will be bringing Fabrik Games and Firesprite together as part of our exciting next step with PlayStation Studios,” said Ankers.

“They are a team of passionate and committed developers, led by industry veterans who have worked on many AAA franchises. We’re looking forward to bolstering our creative talent as we continue on our journey to offer truly unique experiences for PlayStation fans.”

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According to today’s announcement, the acquisition of Fabrik Games “occurred in connection with Firesprite joining PlayStation Studios”.

Prior to its acquisition, Firesprite had been recruiting for two titles: a multiplayer shooter and “a dark, narrative adventure with genre-defining goals”.

PlayStation Studios boss Hermen Hulst said at the time of the Firesprite acquisition: “After a number of years closely collaborating on several games together, including The Playroom (PS4) and The Playroom VR (PS VR), I couldn’t be more delighted to welcome Firesprite to the PlayStation Studios family as our 14th studio.

“Firesprite is a creative and ambitious studio that is exceptional at building incredible experiences that truly showcase the potential of our hardware.

“The team’s technical and creative capabilities will be paramount to growing our stellar catalogue of exclusive games, and I think you’ll be excited for what’s to come.”