Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) announced today that it had combined all of its games development studios around the world to form SCE Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS), effective September 1, 2005.

During the past 10 years, SCE studios in Japan, North America, Europe and South Korea, have been producing numbers of exciting software titles that match the taste of consumers of each region, while at the same time have communicated closely to bring forth some of the worldwide hit franchises. SCE WWS will further accelerate the creation of global hit titles and be responsible for creative, technical and strategic direction setting of development and production of computer entertainment software for the PlayStation platforms.

Phil Harrison, executive vice president of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd. responsible for games development, has been named president of the new organization. Working closely with the management teams and development studios in Japan, North America and Europe, he will oversee SCE’s game software development operations.

“As SCE enters its second decade, we need to reinforce our games development power and create new entertainment experiences that will bring out the best of the technology in platforms such as PSP (PlayStation Portable), PLAYSTATION 3, and beyond,” said Ken Kutaragi, President and group CEO, SCEI. “PlayStation, favored by 200 million people all over the world, and Phil’s strong leadership combined, I am confident that the power of our development studios are further empowered to create more new and innovative titles.“

“SCE is unique in having innovative development studios in the US, Europe and Japan, that have each created numerous global hit titles. By combining the wealth of creativity and talent of games development we can dramatically change the landscape of computer entertainment,” said Phil Harrison, president, SCE Worldwide Studios. “I am honored to be taking on that challenge working alongside the best people in the business.“