Ex-FASA exec founds new studio

Internal Microsoft development house FASA Studio was closed down in September after completing the disappointing first-person shooter Shadowrun. Approximately half the staff was "redeployed" to other Microsoft studios, whilst the other half left the company.

Jordan Weisman, formerly creative director at Microsoft and contributor to a number of FASA games, has now launched a new studio called Smith & Tinker, and has bought the rights to FASA's IP.

An announcement on Smith & Tinker's official Web site proclaims that the company has bought the electronic entertainment rights from Microsoft for MechWarrior, Shadowrun, Crimson Skies, and other FASA games. However, it remains coy about what it plans to do with these IPs. "We're not quite ready to announce our plans for each property, but please be assured our goal is to surprise and delight old fans, while welcoming new fans into these fantastic worlds."

The new company's mission statement says that its aim is to "create connected entertainment products that move seamlessly back and forth from online to offline."