Sony severs ties with PlayStation All-Stars developer

Sony has severed all ties with California-based SuperBot Entertainment, the developer it set up specifically to make last year's underperforming brawler PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale.

The news comes a fortnight after SuperBot laid off a batch of its staff, and the studio's long-term prospects are unclear. "We don't have a reduction plan as of yet, however it is unlikely we can continue with our current work force for an extended period of time," said SuperBot boss David Yang to Kotaku.

"We are still working things out and hope to continue on with as many of us as possible," he added.

Sony's Santa Monica Studio, which assisted with the development of PlayStation All-Stars, will now shepherd the game and all further downloadable content.

Both Sony and SuperBot said in statements that the split was cordial. "Sony Computer Entertainment can confirm that the working agreement with developer SuperBot Entertainment has amicably ended," said Sony. "We have had a positive working relationship with this talented studio, and wish them the best of success in their next endeavor."

Yang said, "SuperBot Entertainment can confirm that the relationship with SCEA has ended on good terms. We are extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Sony on PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, and are extremely proud of the work we have done. SuperBot Entertainment will continue working on projects that reflect our passion for games and our commitment to creating award winning titles. We are very excited about beginning the next chapter of our future and invite all of our fans and supporters to follow our journey."

Two additional characters for PlayStation All-Stars were announced at the end of 2012, but there have been no subsequent announcements since then.

For more information on PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, check out GameSpot's previous coverage.