Zipper Interactive the Sony first party developer behind the Soccom, Mag and Unit 13 franchises have been shuttered by Sony Computer Interactive.  Confirmation of the closure comes after a turbulent week for the developer as rumors of the closure swirled online. According to reports Zipper employed 80 people before their demise.

In statement issued to the press Sony said the closure of Zipper Interactive is part of their normal “cycle of resource re-alignment. Check out the full statement below:

“The closure is a result of a normal cycle of resource re-alignment within SCE WWS. Zipper has completed all work associated with its most recent project, Unit 13 for PlayStation Vita. Zipper titles MAG, SOCOM 4 and Unit 13 will continue to be supported, including the new Daily Challenges in Unit 13.”

Zipper Interactive has been part the gaming landscape since the mid 1990s. After developing games for Microsoft Games Studios including an entry in the MechWarrior franchise Zipper moved on to the PlayStation 2. During their time as a Sony first party developer they established the Socom US Navy Seals franchise including six entries across the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2 and Playstation Portable.

We wish all of the best to those affected by this announcement. Hopefully you will play around or two of MAG in their honor, dear readers.