Activision acquires FreeStyleGames

Activision Publishing has strengthened its stable of UK studios with the acquisition of FreeStyleGames.

The publisher said the music game talents of the Leamington Spa-based team, which previously worked on original PSP/PS2 title B-Boy (which won the Develop Award for best audio in 2007), attracted it to the studio.

Now an internal team, "FreeStyleGames is currently developing localised downloadable content for the Guitar Hero franchise, as well as a yet to be announced new, intellectual property in the music genre," explained Activision.

While the cost of the acquisition was not given, under the terms of the deal the FreeStyleGames exec team have signed long-term employment contracts with their studio’s new owner.

"This is an exciting time for our company and great recognition of our success to date that Activision Publishing would look to welcome us to their studio roster," said Jamie Jackson, co-founder of FreeStyleGames.

"Our goal has always been to deliver the most compelling entertainment experiences, and with the infrastructure, support and financial resources of Activision Publishing, we will be able to set our goals even higher than they are today."

Mike Griffith, president and CEO of Activision Publishing, added: "Activision Publishing is the undisputed leader in the music-based games and we see tremendous opportunity for continued growth, particularly in Europe.

"An important part of our European growth strategy is to work with local developers and provide music content that resonates with the market. FreeStyleGames has an award-winning team with a history of developing innovative and creative music-based games and they are uniquely positioned to help us expand our leadership in the genre."

Activision Publishing is, of course, part of the now vast Activision Blizzard games publishing/development operation – the company acquired Liverpool, UK-based Bizarre Creations a year ago to boost its presence in the racing game space.