Microsoft to buy Canadian game maker BigPark

WASHINGTON, USA:US computer software giant Microsoft Corp said on Thursday that it will buy BigPark Inc., an interactive online game company based in Vancouver, Canada.

A statement from Microsoft said the Canadian videogame maker will be integrated with Microsoft Game Studios, "where the team will continue development on an exclusive Xbox 360 game”.

Microsoft has already been working with BigPark over the past year on a game for the Xbox. However, Microsoft did not disclose the financial details of the purchase. More information about the deal is expected at the video game industry's annual E3 Expo in June.

"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," Microsoft Game Studios general manager Phil Spencer said in a statement. BigPark was founded in 2007 by former executives of Electronic Arts Inc and Distinctive Software Inc.

BigPark's founding team is composed of business leaders with over 80 years of collective experience in the video game industry, having produced or overseen blockbuster franchises including 'Need for Speed', 'FIFA Soccer', 'NBA Street' and 'SSX'.