The rumor that Sony would shut down Zipper Interactive, the developers behind the great Unit 13, started several days ago but just now Sony and the developers have made an official announcement: after 17 years, Zipper Interactive has been shut down!
Sony made the announcement via a short press statement that read:
Sony Computer Entertainment can confirm the closure of Zipper Interactive, a Seattle-based internal game development studio that has been part of the global development operation of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS). The closure is a result of a normal cycle of resource re-alignment within SCE WWS. Zipper has complete all work associated with its most recent project, Unit 13 for PlayStation Vita. Zipper titles MAG, SOCOM 4 and Unit 13 will continue to be supported, including the new Daily Challenges in Unit 13.
So PS Vita owners who purchased Unit 13 should not worry about the future of their game as it will continue to get updates and fixes. Unfortunately, a nice studio bites the dust and we send our best wishes to all the folks affected by the closure of the studio.