Rumour: Sony set to close Zipper Interactive - details

Sony's is in the process of laying off staff at SOCOM developer Zipper Interactive to the extent it could be considered a total shutdown of the studio, according to Kotaku.

Sony's declined to comment.

Kotaku's reporting layoffs and project cancellations have recently hit the studio, with the amount of layoffs indicating a closure. Nothing is confirmed at the moment, meaning it could carry on business as normal.

Zipper Interactive formed in 1996 by Jim Bosler and Brian Soderberg. It was brought into the Sony Worldwide Studios group in January 2006 after the developer was bought out.

The studio is well-known for its SOCOM franchise on PS2, PSP and PS3, as well as the release of online shooter MAG. Its latest - and possibly last game - was Unit 13 for PlayStation Vita.