The rumors began this morning when cryptic messages showed up on the Twitter and Facebook accounts of the WipEout 2048 videogame. The messages simply read “WE. ARE. ALIVE.” and were accompanied by the above artwork. Speculation ranged from Sony’s Studio Liverpool being saved, to a new WipEout game in the works.
WE. ARE. ALIVE. http://t.co/HVuu5Ha4
Now, The Market for Computer & Video Games (MCV) has reported that the WipEout IP has been given to Evolution Studios. Evolution is a British developer known for the World Rally Championship and MotorStorm games for PlayStation consoles. MCV cites an unnamed “source close to the matter” as saying Evolution will have control of the WipEout franchise. After publishing its story, however, subsequent unnamed sources have told them that Evolution will not be the studio in charge of WipEout.
Whoever ends up in charge of WipEout, it does seem clear today that the WipEout franchise has been saved. A recent message on the WipEout 2048 Facebook page reassures fans that they will still be able to play online and that “WipEout‘s passion will live on…” From the Facebook post:
Good afternoon Pilots
As you may be aware; Studio Liverpool shut its doors on the 22nd of August 2012.
It was a very sad day- the end of an era and will never be forgotten. While we wait for news on the future of WipEout, Online play will continue to be supported and there will be plenty of WipEout community events, giveaways and goodies to look forward to!
WipEout’s passion will live on – Together we are stronger and together we will keep WipEout alive.
WE ♥ WO!
Though speculation was that Sony’s Studio Liverpool had been resurrected, that sadly doesn’t seem to be the case. The studio was shuttered back on August 22nd as a part of Sony restructuring its European development studios.