Microsoft Game Studios Announces European Office

Microsoft Game Studios (MGS) has announced the formation of a European branch led by MGS general manager Phil Spencer. As stated in today's announcement, the new office "will focus on continuing and growing the success of MGS-published content in Europe and in building ever-deeper relationships with European development talent." With the new division set to begin operations in Reading, UK on May 6th, one of the Spencer's first tasks is the establishment of a European publishing team. Spencer, who will also retain the responsibilities of his current position at MGS, will be aided in this goal by MGS director of European production Shannon Loftis and director of business management Todd Stevens. Once formed, the European publishing team will report to the MGS worldwide publishing leadership team based out of Redmond, WA. Spencer himself will report to MGS corporate VP Shane Kim. "We already have an established presence in the region with some of the world's best development talent like Lionhead and Rare, and great publishing partners like Bizarre Creations, Real Time Worlds and Remedy," noted Spencer. "I'm very excited about what we've accomplished in Europe and I look forward to continuing and strengthening that success by building deeper relationships with the development community here."