Microsoft Buys Lionhead Studios

[Jonbo298]

April 6, 2006 - Cementing the relationship that began with the development and release of the Fable franchise for the Xbox and PC, Microsoft Game Studios (MGS) announced today that it had purchased United Kingdom-based Lionhead Studios for an undisclosed amount.

According to the companies, Lionhead will immediately begin working on next-generation content for the Xbox 360 and PC though the exact details of the projects were not revealed at the time of the announcement.

Shane Kim, general manager of Microsoft Game Studios, stated that the purchase of Lionhead Studios affirms the company's "commitment to excellence." Kim went on to state that Sir Peter Molyneux -- the founder and creative force behind Lionhead -- is "one of the few true visionaries in our industry" and that Lionhead Studios represents a "shining example of the innovative and creative talent that has delivered some of the most influential and unique games experiences to date."

For his part, Molyneux claimed that the new arrangement with MGS would provide his studio with the "stability and opportunity to focus on creating world-class next-generation titles" and that the combined talents of Lionhead and MGS would take next-generation gaming to "another level."

The acquisition of Lionhead represents the latest in a series of moves by MGS to position itself as a major player in the interactive entertainment industry. Previous acquisitions have involved such noted developers as Bungie Studios, Ensemble Studios, FASA Studio, and Rare Ltd.

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/700/700437p1.html

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