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Why Sony Bought Firewalk Studios—and What Happened Next

SIE bought Firewalk from ProbablyMonsters in 2023, citing PlayStation’s live-service and platform-expansion plans. Sony did not disclose the price; Firewalk later closed.
Length2 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) announced on April 20, 2023, that it had agreed to acquire Firewalk Studios from ProbablyMonsters. Sony framed the purchase as part of PlayStation Studios’ investment in live-service games and its push to expand PlayStation to more platforms. Firewalk’s later history changed the story: Sony permanently sunset Concord and closed the studio.

Why did Sony buy Firewalk Studios?

Sony described the acquisition as a way to strengthen PlayStation Studios’ live-service game efforts and expand its reach across platforms. At the time, Firewalk was developing an original AAA multiplayer game for PlayStation 5 and PC. Those were Sony’s stated strategic aims; the public announcement does not establish any private motives beyond them.

The deal also extended an existing relationship. PlayStation had announced a publishing partnership with ProbablyMonsters and Firewalk in 2021. In 2023, SIE brought the studio into PlayStation Studios. Hermen Hulst, then head of PlayStation Studios, said, “I’m excited to announce that we’ve expanded our relationship with Firewalk Studios and are thrilled to welcome them to PlayStation Studios.” PlayStation’s acquisition announcement

What was Firewalk Studios?

Firewalk was a Bellevue, Washington, studio formed in 2018 as part of ProbablyMonsters. Sony said it had nearly 150 employees and was growing when it announced the acquisition. The 2023 announcement said the studio’s management would continue to run its day-to-day operations, working with PlayStation Studios’ External Development team. Sony’s announcement

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How much did Sony pay for Firewalk?

Sony did not disclose the acquisition cost or other transaction terms, citing contractual commitments. No purchase price was reported in the announcement, so a specific figure cannot be stated as fact. Sony’s announcement

What happened to Firewalk Studios and Concord?

Firewalk’s acquisition did not lead to a lasting PlayStation studio. After taking Concord offline, Sony said it had decided to permanently sunset the game and close Firewalk Studios. The later closure is important context, but it does not establish what Sony knew or expected when it acquired the studio in 2023. PlayStation Studios update

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When did Sony acquire Firewalk Studios?

SIE announced its agreement to acquire Firewalk on April 20, 2023. Sony’s corporate timeline also records PlayStation’s acquisition of Firewalk on that date. Sony Interactive Entertainment corporate timeline

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