Microsoft spins off LocoCycle's Twisted Pixel

Twisted Pixel, the company behind the 'Splosion Man franchise and excoriated Xbox One title LocoCycle, has announced that it is to be spun off from owner Microsoft four years after its acquisition.

Best known for hectic explode-'em-up 'Splosion Man and gender-flipped follow-up Ms 'Splosion Man, the Texas-based Twisted Pixel was acquired by Microsoft in 2011 and given the job of working on the company's latest gaming platforms. The results, sadly, were poorly recieved: while The Gunstringer was relatively enjoyable it was limited by poor uptake of the Kinect sensor platform on which it relied, while Xbox One title LocoCycle was panned by critics.

Given the poor reception of the two titles released under Microsoft's ownership, it's perhaps no surprise to find that the company is cutting its losses - although the two are said to be parting on good terms. 'Twisted Pixel has been a great partner to Microsoft Studios, bringing a range of innovative new experiences to Xbox fans around the globe,' claimed John Needham, Microsoft Studios general manager, in a statement on the spin-off plans. 'I can’t wait to see what this talented team creates next and look forward to bringing their outstanding games to Xbox and Windows 10.'

'This transition has been in the works for a few months, with both parties working together to lay the groundwork for us to spin out and become independent again,' explained Bill Muehl, executive producer at Twisted Pixel, of the move. 'We’re looking forward to the new relationships and platforms this will open up to us and continuing our strong partnership with Microsoft on future titles for their platforms.'

The company has indicated that it is to continue developing original titles, and that it will look to publishing on wider platforms than was possible under Microsoft ownership.