Microsoft Corp has beefed up its games group by agreeing to acquire Chicago-based Fasa Interactive Technologies Inc and its parent company, Virtual Worlds Entertainment Group Inc, from a group of shareholders. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition will see Microsoft gain exclusive and perpetual electronic rights to the successful MechWarrior series of games. MechWarrior 2 and its related add-ons have accounted for more than $70m in sales according to Microsoft. The software giant says the purchase is consistent with its strategy of growing its entertainment software business with a smaller portfolio of top-quality games. Fasa’s development staff will be integrated into Microsoft’s product development teams in Redmond, where it will continue working on upcoming titles. In addition to future MechWarrior and MechCommander games, Microsoft says it is exploring opportunities for Fasa’s other properties.
