Microsoft Snaps Up Peter Molyneux

Another British developer succumbs to Bill Gates' checkbook. Next-gen work started at Lionhead already.

Don't expect to see the next Fable or Black & White game hitting a Sony or a Nintendo console anytime soon. Microsoft revealed on Wednesday that it has bought British developer Lionhead Studios, home to award winning game creator Peter Molyneux.

Molyneux, who was awarded an OBE in 2004, has been responsible for a string of hits on PC including Populous and Black & White series and The Movies. He was also behind the best-selling RPG on the Xbox, Fable, which has now sold more than 2 million copies worldwide.

"We could not be more excited about being part of Microsoft Game Studios. They have long supported our creative vision, and this teamwork resulted in the hugely successful Fable franchise," Molyneux said in statement released to the press.

"This acquisition gives Lionhead the stability and opportunity to focus on creating world-class next-generation titles. We are joining some of the most incredible game creators in the industry, the combined talent of which will truly take next-generation gaming to a new level."

Lionhead hasn't officially announced any next-gen titles for Xbox 360, but the developer is presumed to be working on a sequel to Fable.

This move by Microsoft is just the latest in a run that has seen the company pick up developers around the world, including Rare (Perfect Dark Zero), Ensemble (Age of Empires), FASA Studio (Crimson Skies) and Bungie (Halo).

Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games