Zipper Interactive staff reduced following SOCOM 4 completion

Sony has confirmed a round of layoffs incurred at Zipper Interactive, its Redmond-based developer of abbreviated squad-based shooters SOCOM and MAG. "This is of normal business practice and a result of cutting back on production resources after the launch of two major franchises," a representative told Joystiq. "The team will continue to support existing properties and its work on future projects."

Sony did not say how many positions were terminated at Zipper, though a report on Kotaku suggests that 33 employees were affected.

Lead designer Travis Steiner recently parted ways with Zipper to form his own startup. His next project, along with that of his former employer, are both not yet known.