SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs developer Zipper Interactive is now officially part of Sony's new global development operation, SCE Worldwide Studios, Sony Computer Entertainment revealed today—financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Sony says the acquisition of Redmond, Washington-based Zipper Interactive is part of its "commitment to long-term creative excellence in game development on PlayStation platforms." The move is hardly surprising given the close ties between SCEA and Zipper and is similar in that respect to the recent acquisition of Killzone developer Guerrilla B.V. in December 2005.

"Building on an already strong and close working relationship between Zipper and Sony Computer Entertainment America, the two companies have signed an exclusive development agreement in January 2006. This move brings a studio well known for technology innovation formally into the PlayStation family and becomes a key creative force of SCE Worldwide Studios," said Sony in a statement.

According to the release, bringing Zipper into Sony's stable of developers should have no effect on the day-to-day operations, which will still be run by the current management team and company founders in conjunction with SCE WWS Foster City Studio.

"Zipper Interactive is one of the most well-known and respected development teams in the industry and we have enjoyed a great working relationship with the company since July 1999," commented Phil Harrison, president, SCE Worldwide Studios. "Zipper's tremendous achievements and expertise in creating top-selling games with fantastically loyal online communities is a great addition to our development organization. We are delighted that Zipper Interactive is now a core member of the SCE Worldwide Studios network."

Added Jim Bosler, president and CEO, Zipper Interactive: "We were first drawn to Sony Computer Entertainment by their vision for growing the videogame industry. We've enjoyed an incredible relationship with SCE for more than six years. This has allowed us to combine our cutting edge technical and design capabilities with SCE's creative insights and extraordinary support to become the leader in the online console multiplayer field. As a part of the Sony Computer Entertainment group we can look forward to introducing innovative titles that push online functionality and community experiences even further."

With Zipper now officially exclusive to Sony, the company has locked up the SOCOM franchise, which has sold extremely well on the PS2 and PSP, with franchise sales surpassing 7 million units worldwide. SOCOM is considered by most to be the online franchise on the PS2, and Zipper's online know-how will no doubt be crucial to Sony as the company attempts to take on Microsoft's already well developed online platform, Xbox Live.