Sep 25, 2013

By Rick DeMott | Thursday, December 7, 2000 at 12:00am Microsoft Corp. announced it has reached a preliminary agreement to acquire Digital Anvil Inc., a Austin, Texas games developer. Under the terms of the deal, Microsoft would gain the rights to Digital Anvil titles, such as FREELANCER, the highly anticipated space-combat simulation game. This deal gives Microsoft more leverage in game development for its forthcoming Xbox console. Microsoft and Digital Anvil have worked together on PC games since 1997. Microsoft has recently acquired such gaming firms as FASA Interactive Technologies Inc., creators of the best-selling MECHWARRIOR franchise; Access Software Inc., creators of LINKS golf simulation games; and Bungie Software Products Corp., creators of the upcoming HALO. "The acquisition of Digital Anvil will strengthen our commitment to producing top-quality PC and Xbox titles," said Ed Fries, vice president of games publishing at Microsoft. " FREELANCER is a true expression of Digital Anvil's innovative spirit. By combining our internal resources with the Digital Anvil team's development talent, we will ensure the realization of their creative visions. " Moreover, Chris Roberts, founder and CEO of Digital Anvil, will leave the company to pursue other creative endeavors. However, he will continue to serve as an advisor until the completion of FREELANCER. "This acquisition is a positive growth opportunity for Digital Anvil," Roberts said. "Under the Microsoft umbrella, FREELANCER and other games will be supported by a strong infrastructure and realized in the spirit in which they were conceived. "