Microsoft has acquired Twisted Pixel, the game developer behind Splosion Man, in order to incubate new game and entertainment experiences for Microsoft Studios. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Austin, Texas-based studio has developed award-winning Xbox Live Arcade (XBLA) titles since its formation in 2006, so the two companies have a long history together.
Splosion Man (pictured) was released in 2009, and among its other accolades Microsoft named it the Best Original Game for XBLA. The platform game features “a life form made entirely of splosions who was created in a laboratory by the careless corporation Big Science, who are now doing anything they can to stop Splosion Man and escape his splosive abilities.”
Other popular titles from Twisted Pixel include Comic Jumper, The Maw, and its newest game The Gunstringer.
“Twisted Pixel has an incredible track record of innovative, critically acclaimed, and most importantly, fun, games,” said Phil Spencer, corporate vice president, Microsoft Studios. “Microsoft Studios is home to cutting-edge entertainment experiences, and the incredible creativity of the Twisted Pixel team will help drive further innovation around Kinect and Xbox Live.”
Other game creators that have become part of Microsoft Studios include Lionhead Studios and Rare Ltd. In addition to continuing their creative work, these developers are tasked with creating exclusive experiences that differentiate Microsoft’s platforms.
“It is really exciting for us to solidify our long-standing relationship with Microsoft Studios, who we consider to be the leader in digital distribution and creating new innovations in gaming like Xbox Live and Kinect,” said Michael Wilford, co-founder and chief executive officer of Twisted Pixel. “As part of the family of Microsoft Studios we look forward to bringing even bigger and richer experiences to Xbox and Twisted Pixel fans around the world.”
Related links:
http://www.twistedpixelgames.com
Press release – http://tinyurl.com/3v82k8f
