Microsoft Buys Gunstringer Studio Twisted Pixel

Microsoft has added another developer to their studio. Today they announced the acquisition of Austin-based studio Twisted Pixel Games, the company responsible for Xbox Live Arcade title Splosion Man and recent Kinect release Gunstringer.

Twisted Pixel was first founded in 2006. The company started out as a contractor for Midway Games, contributing to NBA Ballers: Chosen One and Blitz: The League II. After that, they shifted their focus to developing their own digital titles. Other games they've released include The Maw and Comic Jumper: The Adventures of Captain Smiley.

"Twisted Pixel has an incredible track record of innovative, critically acclaimed, and most importantly, fun, games," said Phil Spencer, corporate vice president, Microsoft Studios. "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."

Their most recent release, Gunstringer, is a third-person shooter set in the Wild West. Players take on the role of an an undead marionette sheriff seeking revenge on those who betrayed him. The sheriff's movement and shooting are controlled by hand motions thanks to Kinect technology.

"Overall, The Gunstringer is easily one of the most original, seamless and entertaining uses of the Kinect technology to date," said Gaming Blend's review of the game.

Twisted Pixel has yet to announce their next project. Given the fact that Microsoft now owns them, though, it's safe to assume it'll be for the Xbox 360.

"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," said Michael Wilford, Twisted Pixel's co-founder and CEO. "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."