Zynga acquires developer A Bit Lucky, hires 'Mortal Kombat' co-creator

As part of its push into "mid-core" titles, Zynga announced today the acquisition of San Mateo, California-based studio A Bit Lucky, and the hiring of Mortal Kombat co-creator John Tobias.

As part of its push into "mid-core" titles, Zynga announced today the acquisition of San Mateo, California-based studio A Bit Lucky, and the hiring of Mortal Kombat co-creator John Tobias.

A Bit Lucky, developer of space strategy game Lucky Space, will become part of Zynga San Francisco. The studio's 20-plus employees are currently working on the multiplatform title Solstice Arena, which they will now develop under Zynga. A Bit Lucky's co-founders, chief executive Frederic Descamps and chief creative officer Jordan Maynard, said of the acquisition, "[We] are convinced Zynga is the best choice for us. Zynga sees something very special in A Bit Lucky and the team we have assembled."

Zynga has also brought on John Tobias, co-creator of the Mortal Kombat franchise. Tobias will serve as creative director of Zynga San Diego, where he joins fellow Midway alumnus Mark Turmell. According to Zynga general manager Bill Jackson, Tobias is "already working on a cool new mid-core game."

Zynga did not disclose terms of the acquisition. The company bought Draw Something developer OMGPOP in March for $180 million.