Ubisoft swoops for Massive

Ubisoft has bought World in Conflict developer Massive from Activision Blizzard.

The Swedish team was one of the studios deemed unwanted by Activision execs who took over the newly merged Activision Blizzard after their company was bought by Vivendi last year.

Ubisoft has also acquired the World in Conflict RTS franchise from Activision, which Massive devised.

The strategy game studio was founded in 1997 and employs over 120 staff.

We are delighted to welcome the talented team of creators at Massive into the Ubisoft family," said Christine Burgess-Quemard, executive director of worldwide production studios at Ubisoft.

"Ubisoft is growing at an intense pace and our strategy is to ensure the strength of our global creative teams. Massive has put together a group of some of the most confirmed and recognized creators in the industry and I know that their talent and innovation will allow them to seamlessly integrate into our worldwide network of production studios."

Martin Walfisz, president and founder of Massive Entertainment, added: "Massive’s development team places great importance on its freedom to innovate and create games of the highest quality.

"We are fortunate to have found in Ubisoft a publisher who shares the same values and understands our mindset. I have no doubt that our future together will offer significant mutual benefit and synergy."