London, 2nd March 2010 - Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) today announced that it had acquired leading game developer Media Molecule, creator of the multi-million selling and multi-award winning PlayStation®3 (PS3™) exclusive title, LittleBigPlanet™.  Media Molecule will join as part of SCE’s global development operation, SCE Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS).

In a strategic move to continue to secure excellence in game development for current and future PlayStation® platforms, the acquisition of Media Molecule formalises the successful exclusive relationship with SCE.

Media Molecule, based in Surrey, England, is the award-winning developer of LittleBigPlanet, one of the best-selling titles for PS3, a game that introduced gamers to the unique ethos of Play, Create and Share.  Having seen over 2m user generated levels created for the community to download and play for free, LittleBigPlanet has completely changed the way people interact with games, whilst revolutionising the longevity of gameplay.

Having won over 90 awards for LittleBigPlanet, including 2 BAFTAs and 8 AIAS Interactive Achievement Awards, Media Molecule brings a wealth of experience and a highly talented staff into the SCE WWS family that will further strengthen the PlayStation first party studio.

“Since they burst onto the gaming scene, Media Molecule have proved to be a truly exciting and innovative studio, who have proved their world-class credentials with the creation of the incredible LittleBigPlanet,” said Shuhei Yoshida, President, SCE Worldwide Studios. “SCE WWS is all about creating ambitious, innovative and ground breaking games, traits that Media Molecule clearly have.  To bring them into our family proves our dedication to creating fantastic new experiences that we believe will cement our position as industry leaders.”

“Since Media Molecule’s inception, we’ve had a uniquely close relationship with Sony. Over the years they have consistently shown their dedication to Creative Gaming and Media Molecule, not only through their support of the company, but their willingness to take risks and embrace our often unusual approach and ideas.” said Alex Evans, co-founder of Media Molecule. “What we’ve achieved already with LittleBigPlanet has proved this to us and we’re excited by this new chapter of innovation and creative gaming, for all involved.”

Studios across the SCE WWS network share technology, production methodology and creative goals to build the best possible experiences for users to enjoy the most from the PlayStation family of hardware platforms and network services. With over 2,500 employees, SCE WWS combines the talents of 15 game development studios in Japan, the USA, the UK and The Netherlands.

Guildford, UK. February 5th 2010 - Media Molecule, award winning developers of multi-award winning Playstation 3 game LittleBigPlanet today announce the arrival of some fresh and Tasty Doughnuts in the kitchen.

The Tasty doughnuts are available for a limited time only, on a first come first served basis. There are numerous different types available in the selection, including a really sickly looking one with some scary looking topping.

“We are really happy that these Doughnuts are finally available” said Technical Director Alex Evans “I’m going to have one with my coffee this morning and invite you to do the same”

The Tasty Doughnuts were purchased from a speciality bakery in town this morning, and were boxed whilst still fresh and warm, assuring the finest possible quality.

“Who bought all these Tasty Doughnuts anyway? What are they here for?” said Studio Director Siobhan Reddy “Oooh pass me that cruller!”

“We bought all these to celebrate the new website we launched today, did you see it?” Said Community Manager Tom Kiss.

“nom-nom-nom hrph? hrphll grph! mmmmm doughnut”

http://www.mediamolecule.com

The company was founded in January this year by Alex Evans, Mark Healey, Dave Smith and Kareem Ettouney. All four have impressive track records inthe games industry with titles, such as Dungeon Keeper, Theme Park, Black& White, Live for Speed and Fable. The team have most recently completedthe cult hit Rag Doll Kung Fu, which was the first third party title to beavailable through Steam, and went on to be nominated for two Develop awards.

In announcing the deal Mark Healey, Creative Director at Media Moleculesaid, “Working together on Rag Doll convinced us that a focussed andefficient team had the ability to deliver exciting and innovative content. The ambition for Media Molecule is to take that a step further and prove that asmall (20 plus) and passionate team can deliver a world class, triple A, nextgeneration product. Sometimes the very unwieldiness of a massive teamrenders it much less efficient.

”The team’s ethos clearly impressed Sony Computer Entertainment Europe(SCEE), one of the world’s biggest publishers, and to this end have contracted Media Molecule to create an original game for PlayStation®3. Alex Evans, Technical Director explained, “SCEE have proven to be theperfect partner for us. They immediately understood both our ambition for the game as well as our development style.“ Alex added “I think it is fantastic thata massive company like Sony has the vision to see that a smaller outfit cancreate a world class game. Even after 6 months of working together, we’re beginning to create something very special for PS3.”

Michael Denny, Vice President, Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios (Europe) responded “We were immediately struck by MediaMolecule’s ambitions for what a next-gen title could be. Innovation is the key to our shared vision and everyone here at SCEE is highly impressed by MediaMolecule’s ability to deliver on that vision. We’re excited to have extended our partnership on an exclusive basis and look forward to presenting the gamepublicly in due course.”

For further information on Media Molecule please visit http://www.mediamolecule.com