Spider-Man developer Insomniac Games has reportedly been hit by a cyberattack that threatens to expose sensitive data about the company, its employees, and its upcoming games.
As reported Cyber Dailythe Rhysida ransomware group has posted data online that appears to confirm its claim that it has successfully compromised the Sony-owned studio.
The gang’s hack proof data reportedly includes a demo screenshot from Insomniac’s upcoming Wolverine game, as well as artwork that could reveal other Marvel characters set to appear in the PS5 title.
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Sony Interactive Entertainment said in a statement to VGC that it is looking into reports that Insomniac has been hacked.
“We are aware of reports that Insomniac Games has been the victim of a cybersecurity attack,” the company said. “We are currently investigating this situation. We have no reason to believe that any other divisions of SIE or Sony have been affected.”
It also appears to include examining employee passports, a personal document related to Spider-Man’s voice actor, Yuri Lowenthal, internal emails and confidential documents.
The Rhysida gang is threatening to release the stolen data in seven days but is also hosting an auction for it with a starting price of 50 bitcoins (about $2 million).
“With only 7 days to go, seize the opportunity to bid on exclusive, unique and impressive data,” she said.
“Open your wallet and be ready to purchase exclusive data. We only sell with one hand, we do not resell, and you will be the sole owner!”
VGC has contacted Sony for comment on this report.
In September, Sony said it had launched an investigation after a ransomware group claimed to have penetrated the Japanese company’s systems and threatened to sell a cache of allegedly stolen data.
Insomniac’s Wolverine game was announced in September 2021, as was the recently released Spider-Man 2, at which time it was claimed the former was in “very early development”.
Although it takes place in the same universe as the studio’s Spider-Man games, Wolverine is described as a standalone title directed by Brian Horton and Cameron Christian, who were creative leads on Miles Morales.
It has previously been said that Sony is targeting either fall 2024 or 2025 for the game’s release.
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