Twisted Pixel bought by Microsoft Studios - details

Microsoft's announced its bought Twisted Pixel, making it the latest studio to join its internal Microsoft Studios arm.

The studio, which was formed in 2006, recently released Kinect title The Gunstringer, and was behind XBLA smash hits Splosion Man, Ms. Splosion Man and The Maw.

All of its future content will, obviously, now be exclusive to Xbox 360.

“Twisted Pixel has an incredible track record of innovative, critically acclaimed, and most importantly, fun, games,” said Microsoft Studios boss Phil Spencer.

“Microsoft Studios is home to cutting-edge entertainment experiences, and the incredible creativity of the Twisted Pixel team will help drive further innovation around Kinect and Xbox LIVE.”

Twisted Pixel CEO Michael Wilford added: “It is really exciting for us to solidify our long-standing relationship with Microsoft Studios, who we consider to be the leader in digital distribution and creating new innovations in gaming like Xbox LIVE and Kinect.

"As part of the family of Microsoft Studios we look forward to bringing even bigger and richer experiences to Xbox and Twisted Pixel fans around the world.”

In a subsequent interview with Joystiq, Spencer said Microsoft Studios it's learning from previous acquisitions this time round with Twisted Pixel.

"I can go through the list of studios we've worked with. I can honestly say we've become better at working with partners and keeping them what they are," he said.

"In the beginning, it was 'everybody's got to move to Redmond, kind of integrate completely into the Microsoft process,' and that doesn't always work for every culture. I think you have to keep to the core of 'What is this partnership about?'"

Twisted Pixel is the 12th studio to join Microsoft Studios, nee Microsoft Game Studios, alongside Rare, Turn 10, Lionhead and Big Park Studio.