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Sony ends relationship with PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale developer SuperBot

"We are very excited about beginning the next chapter of our future."

Sony has ended its relationship with SuperBot Entertainment, the developer it created to make PlaySation All-Stars Battle Royale.

SuperBot had worked with Sony Santa Monica Studio on the PlayStation-exclusive Super Smash Bros.-style brawler. Sony will assume direct control over the game and its downloadable content now it has parted ways with SuperBot.

Both parties issued statements last night insisting the parting of ways was amicable. "Sony Computer Entertainment can confirm that the working agreement with developer SuperBot Entertainment has amicably ended," Sony said.

"We have had a positive working relationship with this talented studio, and wish them the best of success in their next endeavour. PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale and the title's forthcoming DLC releases will continue to be fully supported by Santa Monica Studio."

SuperBot boss David Yang told Kotaku: "SuperBot Entertainment can confirm that the relationship with SCEA has ended on good terms. We are extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to work on with Sony on PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, and are extremely proud of the work we have done.

"SuperBot Entertainment will continue working on projects that reflect our passion for games and our commitment to creating award winning titles. We are very excited about beginning the next chapter of our future and invite all of our fans and supporters to follow our journey."

The news comes after layoffs at the developer and poor sales. It also pours cold water on the rumour that work on PlaySation All-Stars Battle Royale 2 had begun, based on job advertisements for SuperBot that emerged in December last year.

SuperBot said it will probably have to make further layoffs as it seeks a new publishing deal.