Activision has announced today that they've acquired UK-based developer FreeStyleGames in order to develop new music-based IP and further define the company's commitment to the rhythm genre. FreeStyleGames, already actively involved in localizing downloadable content for the Guitar Hero franchise, is perhaps best known for the PSP and PS2 title B-Boy, a breakdancing rhythm title released in Europe and Korea. Why the hell was I not informed there was a breakdancing game for the PSP?
"This is an exciting time for our company and great recognition of our success to date that Activision Publishing would look to welcome us to their studio roster," said Jamie Jackson of FreeStyleGames. "Our goal has always been to deliver the most compelling entertainment experiences, and with the infrastructure, support and financial resources of Activision Publishing, we will be able to set our goals even higher than they are today."
So hooray for more music-based IP on the way from Activision! I'm off to find an import copy of B-Boy so I can work on my style. My toprock and downrock are solid but I really need to work on my freeze. Update: Southpeak just dropped me a line to let me know that B-Boy is available in the states for the PS2, with a PSP version on the way. I have no idea how this slipped by me. Insert sad panda.Activision Publishing Acquires U.K. Game Developer FreeStyleGamesStudio to Focus on Music-Based Games SANTA MONICA, Calif., Sept 12, 2008: Further strengthening its development resources and underscoring its commitment to the music-based genre, Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) today announced that it has acquired FreeStyleGames, a premier U.K.-based video game developer specializing in music-based games. This acquisition represents the latest step in Activision Publishing's strategy to expand its global leadership position in the music-based genre. The company established the genre with the Guitar Hero® franchise, which has sold in excess of 22 million units worldwide, according to The NPD Group, Charttrack and GFK. FreeStyleGames is currently developing localized downloadable content for the Guitar Hero franchise, as well as a yet to be announced new, intellectual property in the music genre. "Activision Publishing is the undisputed leader in the music-based games and we see tremendous opportunity for continued growth, particularly in Europe," said Mike Griffith, President and CEO of Activision Publishing, Inc. "An important part of our European growth strategy is to work with local developers and provide music content that resonates with the market. FreeStyleGames has an award-winning team with a history of developing innovative and creative music-based games and they are uniquely positioned to help us expand our leadership in the genre." "This is an exciting time for our company and great recognition of our success to date that Activision Publishing would look to welcome us to their studio roster," said Jamie Jackson of FreeStyleGames. "Our goal has always been to deliver the most compelling entertainment experiences, and with the infrastructure, support and financial resources of Activision Publishing, we will be able to set our goals even higher than they are today." Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, FreeStyleGames has become a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Publishing and the company's management team has signed long-term employment contracts with Activision Publishing. The studio will continue to be based in Leamington Spa, U.K. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Activision Publishing maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, Japan and South Korea. More information about Activision Publishing and its products can be found on the company's website, http://www.activision.com.