With the bombshell news hitting us today that have acquired Project Gotham Racing developer Bizarre Creations, have moved to assure gamers that the future of the hit series is secured.

"Project Gotham Racing is a signature racing franchise for and Live and we plan to continue the series but we have nothing further to announce," affirmed a statement from Microsoft, confirming that they control the "IP" and will be sticking with it on Xbox systems despite the sale of Bizarre.

Project Gotham Racing 4 is now complete, and will go on sale come October 12th in Europe.

Bizarre have promised to support PGR post-launch, though it could be that the future of the racing brand lies away from the developer that started it all - as Activision look to pursue multi-platform ambitions.

Activision will put Bizarre to work on one new racing title and another 'character' based game due 'after fiscal 2009', with other deals unaffected. More as we get it.

By Luke Guttridge