Microsoft Snaps Up Lionhead Studios

Microsoft video game unit has announced the purchase of Lionhead Studios, creators of "Fable," to develop games exclusively for Windows and the Xbox 360.

Microsoft has announced it is acquiring U.K. video game maker Lionhead Studios for an undisclosed amount. Lionhead is the creator of the popular role-playing games Fable and Fable: The Lost Chapters, which are the best-selling role-playing titles on the Xbox platform with more than 2 million copies sold worldwide. Lionhead will immediately begin creating games and content exclusively for Microosft’s Xbox 360 and Windows platforms.

Lionhead was co-founded in 1997 by Peter Molyneux, developer of well-known games Black & White,Populus,Theme Park, and more recently The Movies. Although Molyneux was criticized for over-hyping features in Fable before the game’s release, he is generally considered one of the industry’s most imaginative developers.

“At Microsoft Game Studios we have worked hard to become the best partner for the best creative talent in our industry, and this acquisition underscores our commitment to excellence,” said Shane Kim, general manager of Microsoft Game Studios. “Peter Molyneux is one of the few true visionaries in our industry, and his joining us is incredibly important to the future of both interactive entertainment and MGS.”