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Vancouver-based start-up group BigPark will soon be added to Microsoft Game Studios’ reduced network of first-party developers.
Microsoft has stated its intent to purchase the ‘online gaming’ developer, which was co-founded by Xbox’s Interactive Entertainment Business chief Don Mattrick.
The group has been working on an unannounced project for around a year, and is expected to reveal its title at E3.
Microsoft states that BigPark has a workforce comprised of a number of industry veterans. The Group’s CEO Hanno Lemke formerly served at Electronic Arts and Distinctive Software, where he was involved in high-profile projects such as Need for Speed and Skate.
Following the acquisition, Lemke will report to Phil Spencer, general manager at Microsoft Game Studios. Spencer said that the BigPark 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,” he added.
“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.”
Wil Mozell, studio president and co-founder of BigPark, spoke of the partnership it has enjoyed with Microsoft over the past year, adding that the imminent acquisition provides the developer with “access to the unparalleled talent, resources and exciting innovation taking place within Microsoft.”
