Microsoft Games Studios welcomes another new addition today as Microsoft agrees to acquire Vancouver-based developer BigPark.
BigPark was formed in 2007 by a group of industry veterans formerly of Distinctive Software and Electronic Arts Canada. One of the founders was Don Mattrick, who went on to become the senior vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft, so they might as well go ahead and collect the whole set. The team is currently working on an exclusive Xbox 360 game, and will continue working on said exclusive Xbox 360 game...just a bit more exclusively now.
"We are delighted by the opportunity to welcome the BigPark team into Microsoft Game Studios," said Phil Spencer, general manager, Microsoft Game Studios. "The team is composed of some of the most experienced and creative minds working in the industry today. The combination of the BigPark and Microsoft Game Studios talent pools will be an accelerant for growth and innovation. We believe BigPark has tremendous potential to create new properties and innovative gaming experiences for our platforms, one of which we're looking forward to showcasing at the E3 Expo in June."
BigPark CEO and co-founder Hanno Lemke will report directly to Spencer as the company continues to develop whatever it is they are developing. The answers to these questions and more will be revealed at E3 2009. Just consider this a pre-show preparatory purchase.