Psygnosis

Psygnosis was a British video game developer and publisher headquartered in Liverpool. Founded in 1984 by Ian Hetherington and Jonathan Ellis, the company initially focused on developing games for the 8-bit and 16-bit home computer markets, particularly the Atari ST and Amiga.

Psygnosis gained renown for its distinctive visual style, often employing striking artwork and unconventional game design. Their games were known for their high production values, incorporating impressive graphics and sound for the time. The company also became recognized for its iconic owl logo.

Some of Psygnosis's most notable titles include Shadow of the Beast, Wiz 'n' Liz, Lemmings, Wipeout, and Colony Wars. They covered a variety of genres, from platformers and puzzle games to racing and space combat.

In 1993, Psygnosis was acquired by Sony Computer Entertainment, becoming a key part of Sony's development efforts for the PlayStation console. Under Sony's ownership, Psygnosis continued to develop games, notably contributing to the Wipeout franchise and other titles for the PlayStation and PlayStation 2.

In 2000, Psygnosis was rebranded as Studio Liverpool. Studio Liverpool continued to develop games for Sony until its closure in 2012. Despite its name change and eventual closure, Psygnosis remains a significant and influential figure in the history of video game development, remembered for its innovative games and unique artistic vision.