Sony shuts down ‘Concrete Genie’ studio PixelOpus
A PlayStation representative has confirmed that PixelOpus, a small studio within PlayStation Studios, will be shutting down next month. The closure was a result of PlayStation Studios’ regular evaluation of its portfolio and studio projects to ensure they meet the organization’s strategic objectives. PixelOpus was reportedly working on a new game for PS5 with Sony Pictures Animation. The studio tweeted earlier today that its “adventure has come to an end.”
PixelOpus was established in 2014 as part of Sony Interactive Entertainment to create original and imaginative passion projects in response to the success of thatgamecompany’s Journey on the PS3. The studio’s two games, Entwined and Concrete Genie, followed the same concept. Entwined is a dual-stick rhythm game that features a unique art style about a blue bird and orange fish soaring through the cosmos. Concrete Genie is a game that tells the story of standing up to bullying through street art. Engadget’s Andrew Tarantola described it as a “surprisingly pleasant and laid-back experience.”
https://twitter.com/Pixelopus/status/1654563543386296320
Although PixelOpus is closing down next month, the original and stylistic Concrete Genie can still be purchased on the PlayStation Store for $30. It’s unfortunate that experimental studios with outside-the-box ideas are usually the first to go when mega-corporation parent companies look to cut costs.
