Activision Publishing has acquired Leamington Spa-based independent developer FreeStyleGames, strengthening its roster of UK studios.

The Guitar Hero publisher said the acquisition of the B-Boy developer was motivated by its desire to expand its “global leadership position” in the music-based genre.

While financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, FreeStyleGames has become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Santa Monica, California-based publisher, and the developer’s management team has signed long-term employment contracts with their new parent company.

"Activision Publishing is the undisputed leader in the music-based games and we see tremendous opportunity for continued growth, particularly in Europe," said Mike Griffith, president and CEO of Activision Publishing.

"An important part of our European growth strategy is to work with local developers and provide music content that resonates with the market. FreeStyleGames has an award-winning team with a history of developing innovative and creative music-based games and they are uniquely positioned to help us expand our leadership in the genre."

FreeStyleGames is currently developing localized downloadable content for the Guitar Hero franchise, as well as a new, yet to be announced intellectual property in the music genre.

"Our goal has always been to deliver the most compelling entertainment experiences, and with the infrastructure, support and financial resources of Activision Publishing, we will be able to set our goals even higher than they are today," said FreeStyleGames’ Jamie Jackson.