Sony paid more than $200 million to purchase Insomniac Games, it has been revealed. Sony purchased the Ratchet and Clank and Marvel's Spider-Man developer in August 2019 in what was one of the biggest gaming surprises of the year.

In Sony's newest filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, the company confirms that it purchased Insomniac Games for $229 million. "The consideration for this acquisition of 24,895 million yen (229 million U.S. dollars) was mainly paid in cash," says the SEC filing. The filing also says that "the amount may be adjusted by the end of fiscal year ending March 31, 2020, based on the final closing date financial statements of Insomniac Games" but it's unlikely to be much more or much less than that figure.

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The response from most fans seems to be surprise that Sony was able to scoop up the developer for such a small amount of money. Marvel's Spider-Man is widely thought of as one of the best PS4 exclusives. Insomniac Games also developed popular PlayStation series such as Resistance and Ratchet and Clank. It is one of Sony's most important third-party development partners and some may be wondering why the developer didn't ask for a few more tens of millions.

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The acquisition also means that Sony now owns Sunset Overdrive. Microsoft published the first game but Insomniac kept hold of the rights and by buying the developer, it means that Sony holds the future in its hands. It could make Sunset Overdrive 2, as many have hoped, or it could release Sunset Overdrive on PS4 or PS5.

Fans may think that Sony hasn't paid much for the developer, but the company will now be thinking of ways to make that money back. One potential way is, as rumored, by making a new Ratchet and Clank game a PS5 launch title. That game could help Sony sell more PS5 consoles, helping to make up a large chunk of that $229 million figure back.

Sony could also use Insomniac Games to help add more titles to its PlayStation Now game streaming service. Microsoft has purchased several game studios for new game releases and to add new titles to Xbox Game Pass. If Sony wants to compete it will have to add some great games to the service and Insomniac's past releases are very beloved.

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Source: SEC