InXile Hires Microsoft Vet For User-Generated Division

Developer inXile (Line Rider) has announced the formation of a new online and user-generated content focused division called SparkWorkz, to be headed by former Microsoft Online Services exec David Heeley. The company says the new division will "build an online network and community showcasing highly creative user-generated content" in the build-up to the release of its DS and Wii version of cult hit Flash app Line Rider. The new site will include but not be limited to Line Rider creations, with CEO Brian Fargo saying the goal is to "construct a highly entertaining and engaging online destination for people to show off their creative talents across a number of different game and non-game media environments." New division head Heeley comes to the company from Microsoft, where he most recently acted as regional business development and sales manager for the Singapore-region Microsoft Online Services Group in Singapore. Concluded Fargo, "Today there are over 50,000 videos of Line Rider creations on YouTube alone, with the top track bringing in over 7,000,000 views. Fostering and serving this talent pool is a top priority for us, while providing advertisers and marketers with innovative opportunities to be part of this community. David brings a wealth of knowledge to this new role and we expect to see him build an amazing new experience for fans in the coming months."