Joining the likes of Peter Molyneux's Lionhead Studios and Rare, the Vancouver-based BigPark game studio has been acquired by Microsoft, even as the company is on currently on a staff-slashing spree to cut costs!

Going by Venturebeat information, Microsoft has momentous links with BigPark, which boasts of ex-Electronic Arts Canada and Distinctive Software executives. In addition, BigPark commenced operations under the guidance of its current chairman Don Mattrick - who was the Senior VP of Interactive Entertainment - and has, during the past year, been involved in developing an Xbox-exclusive game, to be displayed at E3.

Microsoft has refrained from disclosing the financial aspects of the BigPark deal, saying that the takeover of the small company - not even publicly launched as an organization - with 50 employees, is not a matter of financial reporting from Microsoft's standpoint.

However, talking about BigPark as an asset, Microsoft game studios head Phil Spencer said: "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."

Without doubt, Microsoft's BigPark acquisition indicates that the company remains interested in developing games in-house, as well as its intentions of restructuring its lineup of studios in a futuristic manner!