As posted in a previous news, two companies were trying to buy Lionhead. They were Microsoft and Ubisoft.

In the end, as the news title says, Microsoft bought it.

Lionhead Studios will immediately begin creating content exclusively for the Xbox 360(TM) and Microsoft(R) Windows platforms. The companies previously worked together on the popular role-playing games “Fable” for Xbox and “Fable: The Lost Chapters” for Xbox and Windows, which have collectively surpassed the 2 million global unit sales milestone, making “Fable” the best-selling role- playing franchise on the Xbox platform. “Fable” and “Fable: The Lost Chapters” enable players to make decisions that affect their character’s skills, appearances and morality and the world around them.

“At Microsoft Game Studios we have worked hard to become the best partner for the best creative talent in our industry, and this acquisition underscores our commitment to excellence,” said Shane Kim, general manager of Microsoft Game Studios. “Peter Molyneux is one of the few true visionaries in our industry, and his joining us is incredibly important to the future of both interactive entertainment and MGS. Lionhead is a shining example of the innovative and creative talent that has delivered some of the most influential and unique games experiences to date, and I am honored to welcome Peter and the incredible people at Lionhead Studios.”

“We could not be more excited about being part of MGS. They have long supported our creative vision, and this teamwork resulted in the hugely successful ‘Fable’ franchise,” said Molyneux, managing director of Lionhead Studios. “This acquisition gives Lionhead the stability and opportunity to focus on creating world-class next-generation titles. We are joining some of the most incredible game creators in the industry, the combined talent of which will truly take next-generation gaming to a new level.”

This way, Lionhead joins the other firms bought by Microsoft: Bungie Studios, Ensemble Studios, FASA Studio and Rare. Their goal is to create exclusive entertainment experiences that differentiate Xbox 360 and Windows from other gaming platforms.

We will see how Microsoft will be able to revive Lionhead and to create new, interesting games.