Microsoft in for Second Life studio â?? report

Microsoft is at the centre of fresh speculation linking to a potential buyout of Second Life creator Linden Lab.

News reports are claiming that the Xbox 360 owner made an offer for Linden Lab this week, following various tip-offs from various Twitter accounts.

Microsoft has told Develop it does not comment on rumour or speculation.

It is also being reported that Linden Lab is shutting down its UK office, in a move that would not be incongruous to the difficult year the firm has had so far. In June Linden cut an estimated thirty per cent of its workforce, with CEO Mark Kingdon walking from the company just two weeks later.

“A little birdie told me that Microsoft may have silently offered to buy Linden Lab this week,” read a tweet from someone thought to be connected to the matter.