Lionhead boss leads new European Xbox publishing team

Microsoft has opened a new European Xbox publishing headed by new Lionhead boss John Needham.

As reported by GamesIndustry the new group has been tasked with finding triple-A quality games, as well as those using the free-to-play and freemium models, to publish under the Microsoft banner on Xbox 360 and Xbox One.

The first game published by the team will be Crytek’s free-to-play shooter Warface, and is apparently the first of a number of deals set to be announced.

Despite taking up the new role, Needham will continue on as normal at Lionhead.

“What we’re trying to do with this team, it’s a first-party publishing group, is across Europe find triple-A quality games that we can publish," said Needham.

"Find games that incorporate innovative business models like free-to-play and freemium and other models that are floating around out there. Finding games that are mostly online focused and games as a service and that’s why I’m leading the group, because I have a lot of experience in that. Also finding games and developers that really resonate with the gamer community across Europe but also have a broader worldwide appeal."