What Happened to Insomniac Games?
Insomniac Games is a highly acclaimed American video game developer, founded in 1994, known for creating iconic PlayStation franchises like Spyro the Dragon, Ratchet & Clank, and Resistance. Following the massive success of Marvel's Spider-Man in 2018, the studio was acquired by Sony Interactive Entertainment in 2019, becoming a key part of PlayStation Studios and focusing on major Marvel titles, with Marvel's Wolverine slated for release in September 2026.
Quick Answer
Insomniac Games, a prominent video game developer, was acquired by Sony Interactive Entertainment in 2019 after decades of collaboration and the critical success of Marvel's Spider-Man. Since then, it has become a cornerstone of PlayStation Studios, continuing to develop highly anticipated exclusive titles. As of May 2026, the studio is actively preparing for the release of Marvel's Wolverine in September 2026, while also reportedly working on a Venom spin-off and Marvel's Spider-Man 3.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Founded as Xtreme Software
Ted Price establishes the company, which would later be renamed Insomniac Games.
Renamed Insomniac Games
The company officially changes its name from Xtreme Software to Insomniac Games.
Released Disruptor
Insomniac's first game, a first-person shooter for the PlayStation, is released but struggles commercially.
Launched Spyro the Dragon
The release of the successful platformer *Spyro the Dragon* marks a turning point for the studio, establishing its reputation.
Debuted Ratchet & Clank
Insomniac launches another highly popular and enduring PlayStation franchise, *Ratchet & Clank*.
Released Sunset Overdrive
The studio develops *Sunset Overdrive*, an Xbox One exclusive, showcasing its ability to work on multiple platforms.
Released Marvel's Spider-Man
The critically acclaimed *Marvel's Spider-Man* becomes a massive commercial success, selling over 20 million copies.
Acquired by Sony Interactive Entertainment
Sony completes its acquisition of Insomniac Games for $229 million, making it a first-party PlayStation Studio.
Workplace Harassment Allegations Surface
Former employees make allegations of workplace sexual harassment, prompting a response from Insomniac Games.
Released Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
The latest installment in the *Ratchet & Clank* series launches as a PlayStation 5 exclusive, receiving high praise.
Marvel's Wolverine Announced
Insomniac Games officially announces its next major Marvel project, *Marvel's Wolverine*, for PlayStation 5.
Released Marvel's Spider-Man 2
The highly anticipated sequel to *Marvel's Spider-Man* is released for PlayStation 5 to critical acclaim.
Ransomware Attack and Data Leak
Insomniac Games suffers a significant ransomware attack, leading to the leak of internal data, including details on future projects.
State of Play Announcement for Wolverine
PlayStation announces a State of Play event for June 2, 2026, confirming an extended look at *Marvel's Wolverine*, which is set to release on September 15, 2026.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Insomniac Games, initially founded as Xtreme Software by Ted Price on February 28, 1994, quickly established itself in the burgeoning video game industry. After a name change to Insomniac Games in 1995, the studio released its first title, Disruptor, in 1996 for the PlayStation, which, despite its quality, did not achieve commercial success and nearly led to the company's bankruptcy.
The studio found its breakthrough with the creation of Spyro the Dragon in 1998, a highly successful platformer that spawned two sequels. This success cemented a strong relationship with Sony Computer Entertainment. Insomniac continued to build its legacy with the critically and commercially successful Ratchet & Clank series, which debuted in 2002, and the Resistance franchise during the PlayStation 3 era.
In the mid-2010s, Insomniac diversified its portfolio, developing Sunset Overdrive for Xbox One in 2014 and venturing into virtual reality games. However, a pivotal moment arrived with the release of Marvel's Spider-Man for PlayStation 4 in 2018. The game was a monumental success, selling over 20 million copies and generating $3.8 billion in revenue, showcasing Insomniac's prowess in open-world, story-driven games.
This long-standing and successful partnership culminated in Sony Interactive Entertainment's acquisition of Insomniac Games in August 2019 for $229 million, with the deal officially closing on November 15, 2019. This made Insomniac the 14th internal studio within SIE Worldwide Studios (now PlayStation Studios), ensuring its focus on PlayStation-exclusive titles. In June 2020, Insomniac faced allegations of workplace sexual harassment, to which the company responded by stating it was aware of the claims and had taken steps to address them, reaffirming its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
In December 2023, Insomniac Games was the target of a significant ransomware attack, which resulted in the leak of sensitive internal documents, including development roadmaps and details about upcoming projects. Despite this setback, the studio has continued its work on highly anticipated Marvel titles. As of May 2026, Insomniac Games is a key developer within PlayStation Studios, with Marvel's Wolverine confirmed for a September 15, 2026 release on PlayStation 5. The studio is also reportedly working on a standalone Venom game, expected in 2027, and Marvel's Spider-Man 3, potentially a PlayStation 6 title around 2028-2029, further expanding its interconnected Marvel gaming universe.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Insomniac Games made different choices?