Sony Online Entertainment acquired by Columbus Nova

Columbus Nova, a New York-based investment management firm, has acquired Sony Online Entertainment from Sony Corporation, and rebranded the online games studio Daybreak Game Company.

The acquisition means Daybreak will operate as an independent game development studio, which will continue focusing on creating online games. The studio’s upcoming lineup includes EverQuest Next, as well as the recently Steam Early Access-launched H1Z1.

In a forum post, the Daybreak team says it will now be able to function as a multiplatform company, including “PlayStation and Xbox, mobile and more!”

Find comments from both parties below.

Jason Epstein, Senior Partner of Columbus Nova

“Sony Online Entertainment, newly rebranded as Daybreak, is a great addition to our existing portfolio of technology, media and entertainment focused companies. We see tremendous opportunities for growth with the expansion of the company’s game portfolio through multi-platform offerings as well as an exciting portfolio of new quality games coming up, including the recently launched H1Z1 and the highly anticipated EverQuest Next to be released in the near future. The recent Early Access launch success of H1Z1 is just one testament to the talent and dedication of the studio’s developers to create great online gaming experiences.”

John Smedley, President of Daybreak Game Company

“We are excited to join Columbus Nova’s impressive roster of companies. They have a proven track record in similar and related industries and we are eager to move forward to see how we can push the boundaries of online gaming. We will continue to focus on delivering exceptional games to players around the world, as well as bringing our portfolio to new platforms, fully embracing the multi-platform world in which we all live.”