Microsoft seeking Second Life buyout?

Source: See below.

What we heard: As pointed out by GameSpot sister site ZDNet, it has been a while since Microsoft has made a major acquisition. Over the weekend, one small tweet by a Second Life enthusiast has sparked mass speculation that the software giant has made a bid to buy the virtual world's maker, Linden Lab.

Thursday, a Hollywood-based Second Life user named Tizzers twittered, "A little birdie told me that Microsoft may have silently offered to buy Linden Lab this week." This small post led to a full-blown article on tech blog TechEye.net, which cited "a very reputable individual still employed by Linden Lab, they have been entertaining offers and Microsoft has stepped up with a bid." The blog then followed up with even more reports from the Second Life community.

The reports were further confirmed by ZDNet editor Mary-Jo Foley, whose own sources also reported that Microsoft was in the running to buy Linden Lab, which reportedly closed down its UK office last week.

The official story: Microsoft had not responded to requests for comment as of press time.

Bogus or not bogus?: Not bogus that there's a lot of chatter that Microsoft has made an offer to buy Linden Lab. That has spawned even more chatter that Microsoft might bring Second Life--or a Second Life-like virtual world--to Xbox Live, possibly even with Kinect support. That said, it's a little early to bet on anything just yet.