Sony have announced the acquisition of Sucker Punch Productions, the Bellevue, Washington-based studio responsible for the Sly Cooper series and more recently the acclaimed Infamous games.

The purchase (for an undisclosed amount) is not particularly surprising as Sucker Punch haven't developed a game for a non-Sony platform in over a decade and the news comes only a few short months after Ratchet and Clank/Resistance developer Insomniac Games announced their detachment from Sony exclusivity, prompting speculation that other unencumbered studios could follow.

“We’ve enjoyed an incredible relationship with Sony that has allowed us to combine our creative design capabilities with their guidance to make some of the best franchises to hit the PlayStation platforms. Equally important, the relationship with SCE has provided us the flexibility and trust to take creative risks and invent new properties,” said Brian Fleming, managing partner, Sucker Punch Productions. “As a part of the Sony Computer Entertainment group we look forward to introducing more innovative content and providing consumers with exciting, new interactive experiences.”

No word was mentioned about Sucker Punch's next project will be. A new Sly Cooper game, Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time is currently in the works, however that is being developed at Californian studio Sanzaru Games.