Sony paid more than $200 million to purchase Insomniac Games, it has been revealed. Sonypurchased theRatchet and ClankandMarvel’s Spider-Mandeveloper in August 2019in what was one of the biggest gaming surprises of the year.
InSony’s newest filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, the company confirms that it purchased Insomniac Games for $229 million. “The consideration for this acquisition of 24,895 million yen (229 million U.S. dollars) was mainly paid in cash,” says the SEC filing. The filing also says that “the amount may be adjusted by the end of fiscal year ending June 22, 2025, based on the final closing date financial statements of Insomniac Games” but it’s unlikely to be much more or much less than that figure.
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The response from most fans seems to be surprise that Sony was able to scoop up the developer for such a small amount of money.Marvel’s Spider-Manis widely thought of as one of thebest PS4 exclusives. Insomniac Games also developed popular PlayStation series such asResistanceandRatchet and Clank. It is one of Sony’s most important third-party development partners and some may be wondering why the developer didn’t ask for a few more tens of millions.
The acquisition also means thatSony now ownsSunset Overdrive. Microsoft published the first game but Insomniac kept hold of the rights and by buying the developer, it means that Sony holds the future in its hands. It could makeSunset Overdrive 2, as many have hoped, or it could releaseSunset Overdriveon PS4 or PS5.
Fans may think that Sony hasn’t paid much for the developer, but the company will now be thinking of ways to make that money back. One potential way is, as rumored, by making anewRatchet and Clankgame a PS5 launch title. That game could help Sony sell more PS5 consoles, helping to make up a large chunk of that $229 million figure back.
Sony could also use Insomniac Games to help add more titles to its PlayStation Now game streaming service. Microsoft haspurchased several game studiosfor new game releases and to add new titles to Xbox Game Pass. If Sony wants to compete it will have to add some great games to the service and Insomniac’s past releases are very beloved.
