JUNE 4, 2008 • Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has permanently ceased development on two PS3 games from its London studio: The Getaway 3 and Eight Days. Personnel and resources that were freed up will be directed to other projects nearing completion.
Impact: The Getaway was a big hit in Europe for the PlayStation 2 and SCEE acquired its developer Team Soho in 2002. However the 2004 follow-up, The Getaway: Black Monday was a disappointment, as was Gangs of London for the PSP. In recent years, the London studio had its greatest success with SingStar and EyeToy products targeted towards the entire family. In contrast The Getaway and Eight Days were high-end, action games with appeal to a mature audience. The PlayStation 3 needs both type of products (family-oriented and violent mature rated games), but only if the development quality clearly makes them standout as something special. On the positive side, this is an indication that new SCE Worldwide Studios head Shuhei Yoshida may be continuing the policy of his predecessor Phil Harrison to make a major push to family-friendly products with mass appeal. This was a big reason for the PlayStation 2’s success in Europe.
