Microsoft to acquire BigPark
Vancouver-based online gaming company will become a part of Microsoft Game Studios
Microsoft has announced its intent to purchase BigPark, an online gaming company based in Vancouver.
BigPark has been developing an exclusive, unannounced Xbox 360 game for approximately one year, and will continue to do so under its new ownership.
"We are delighted by the opportunity to welcome the BigPark team into Microsoft Game Studios," said Microsoft Game Studios general manager Phil Spencer in a press release. "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."
"Given our shared passion for breaking new ground in the online space and producing best-in-class gaming experiences, our partnership with Microsoft over the last year has been a natural fit, which we’ve thoroughly enjoyed," added BigPark CEO Hanno Lemke.
BigPark was founded in 2007 by former employees of Distinctive Software and EA Canada, including Wil Mozell, Erik Kiss, Hanno Lemke and Don Mattrick, who later transitioned to a role at Microsoft prior to the acquisition.