'LittleBigPlanet' Vita developer signed as Sony exclusive

Sony has signed UK-based studio Double Eleven as an exclusive developer on Sony systems.

Double Eleven was formed in 2010 by former Rockstar Leeds engineers. The studio is currently working on the new LittleBigPlanet for PlayStation Vita. Under the new contract, Double Eleven will develop games exclusively on Sony platforms, focusing primarily on the PlayStation Vita.

"Double Eleven are one of the most exciting developers to emerge onto the development scene in recent years, their technical expertise makes them a great fit for LittleBigPlanet on PSVITA and we've very pleased with the progress the team have made on this hugely-anticipated title," explained Sony's Michael Denny.

"For us to become strong partners with Sony at such a crucial stage in our own development underlines the unswerving commitment we have made to the quality of our production," said Double Eleven CEO Lee Hutchinson.

"It is a testament to the hard work of all the exceptional team here at Double Eleven and we're delighted that this agreement will help our company grow and flourish, working on prestigious titles, on leading-edge platforms," Hutchinson continued.

"The opportunity to work so closely with Sony is simply fantastic and we look forward to a truly exciting new phase in our own development, with the absolute intention to become a world-class studio."

LittleBigPlanet was one of the first games unveiled for PlayStation Vita at last month's E3 2011. No release date for the game has been set.

Earlier this month, LittleBigPlanet creators Media Molecule announced its plans to step away from the series.