Xbox owner apparently in for Linden Lab, with further rumours of UK studio closures
Microsoft is at the centre of fresh speculation linking to a potential buyout of Second Life creator Linden Lab.
News reports are claiming that the Xbox 360 owner made an offer for Linden Lab this week, following various tip-offs from various Twitter accounts.
Microsoft has told Develop it does not comment on rumour or speculation.
It is also being reported that Linden Lab is shutting down its UK office, in a move that would not be incongruous to the difficult year the firm has had so far. In June Linden cut an estimated thirty per cent of its workforce, with CEO Mark Kingdon walking from the company just two weeks later.
“A little birdie told me that Microsoft may have silently offered to buy Linden Lab this week,” read a tweet from someone thought to be connected to the matter.
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This would be a strange time to buy them...
Almost everything in SL is terrible. They don't seem to have a team filled with talent.
Second life REALLY isn't the way forwards for the Xbox360+ platform...
HUGE Mistake that will come back to haunt Microsoft if they try to integrate such a lawless, buggy, unmoderated and rubbish environment into the XBox360 platform...
Create your OWN 3D world to rival the PS3's I say Microsoft!
Jeez!
I don't think Microsoft would necessarily look to integrate the existing SL product into the 360. What they may want is the technology behind that to power a 3D world that's Kinect-enabled. It'd probably be a lot less open, to say the least, but it'd hopefully be a more pleasant experience than what SL is now. Microsoft could build something from scratch, but they may be looking for a shortcut. They do that. A lot.
I can officially confirm that a deal has indeed been cut between the two and that an announcement is due shortly.
Second Life is awesome for people who want to play, socialize, enjoy dancing and music, or create things as simple as their own outfit, or house, to a full island or role playing Sim. Unlike other on-line sims - 'resident' players can do what ever the would like to do, no quests, or path or game is involved except what the player chooses to explore... Second Life is awesome, and I would like see Apple or Microsoft buy it and expand it, building upon the things Linden Labs had developed over time. Great Forests from small seeds grow...
1. Microsoft buys Linden Labs
2. Microsoft prohibits all "adult activities" in Second Life
3. The majority of Second Life's player base abandon the game
4. Microsoft shuts down Second Life
Listen, if microsoft was smart, they'd buy SL, and integrate a 3d virtual web browser and enhance the online surfing experience, adding fun to browsing, want to see your twitter and facebook all in one place? maybe that day has come.
They would never shut down the adult aspects of second life, that's half the reason it makes money. Just like the normal internet, and real life, Sex sells.
This would ( if done in the right hands ) lead to something others will try and mimic.
Stay tuned.
Microsoft already bought Second Life.
I see evidence that SL has already been aquired.
But MS can't just jump in, because SL has a real economy. If MS absorbed it like any other company, then Linden Labs would have alot of payout to do.
By doing a moderate transition - MS has the ability to aquire the company without much hardship to either end.
