Microsoft announced that the Microsoft Game Studios would grow with the addition of BigPark. Approximately 50 people will join the company as a result of the acquisition, with Phil Spencer, general manager, Microsoft Game Studios, praising the talent that the Redmond software giant will benefit from. The online gaming company based in Vancouver has been developing a game for the Xbox, 360, Microsoft indicated, but offered no additional details on the matter. BigPark is a young company, having been founded in 2007. However, despite its age, experience is not a factor as its founders were involved in the success of gaming companies Distinctive Software and Electronic Arts Canada.

“We are delighted by the opportunity to welcome the BigPark team into Microsoft Game Studios,” Spencer stated. “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.”

As Microsoft Game Studios will swallow BigPark, the company's current chief executive officer, Hanno Lemke, will take a new role with the software giant and will report to Spencer. According to Microsoft, the founders of BigPark share between them 80 years of gaming industry, having worked on such titles as “Need for Speed,” “FIFA Soccer,” “NBA Street” and “SSX.”

“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,” Lemke said. “This opportunity provides us with access to the unparalleled talent, resources and exciting innovation taking place within Microsoft,” added Wil Mozell, studio president and co-founder of BigPark.

In addition to Wil Mozell, Hanno Lemke, BigPark was also founded by Erik Kiss and Don Mattrick. The latter acts as senior vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft, but the Redmond company indicated that he played no role in the acquisition.