The day after reports of Microsoft reducing its Vancouver-based development studio, the company has announced it will open up a new one in London. MCV speculates the studio will focus on first-party free-to-play and online casual experiences, based on job listings.

"EMEA is a key market for us and we continue to cultivate the best talent and focus on growing our business, with this role focused on the continued expansion of our Microsoft Studios business in the region," Microsoft said in a statement.

Microsoft's Xbox presence in the UK includes Lionhead Studios, Soho Productions and Rare.

[Peter Wallace via Shutterstock]