Microsoft to open new London development studio

Microsoft will add another stable of development talent to its UK line up, which already includes respected studios like Rare and Lionhead.

MCV reports Microsoft has begun advertising for senior staff for the new team.

Advertisements emphasis experience with online, mobile and cloud services suggesting the new team may be focused on free-to-play and other emerging markets - something of a gap in Xbox Live's current line up, given the services restrictions on microtransactions.

Microsoft isn't talking yet, saying only that the team will be “developing successful new products and services for current and future consumers”.

“EMEA is a key market for us and we continue to cultivate the best talent and focus on growing our business, with this role focused on the continued expansion of our Microsoft Studios business in the region,” a representative said.