Microsoft to Acquire Access

As GameSpot News reported in February, Microsoft announced publicly its intention to acquire the current leader in PC-based golf games - Access Software. Access is best known for its 15-year-old golf franchise, Links, and the recently released Links LS 99, which has dominated the PC golf scene since 1992.

Considering that Microsoft's golf series, Microsoft Golf hasn't garnered the support or fan base that Links has, some might think Microsoft will kill the Links series and fuse the development teams into one unit. Yet this isn't the case - Links will become Microsoft's premium PC golf offering while it re-creates the MS Golf series as a value offering for consumers.

"We are excited to be reuniting the Microsoft-Access team that created the original Microsoft Golf franchise," said Ed Fries, general manager of Microsoft Games Group. "Their top flight management and development talent will be a true asset to us. We share a vision to create games that are accessible, fun to play, and vastly rich in content."

Unlike its last big gaming acquisition, FASA Interactive, Microsoft intends to let Access continue developing the Links series from its Salt Lake City office. FASA employees had to relocate to the Seattle area after being acquired.

Under the deal, Microsoft would acquire the entire Links library (Links LS, Links Extreme, and add-ons), along with Access' Tex Murphy adventure series. Access' president, founder, and CEO will become a Microsoft employee and will focus on preserving and growing the Links series.

"The acquisition provides a great opportunity for Access Software. Our development team would remain in Salt Lake City, allowing our focus to continue to be on producing great PC golf games, while we would also benefit from Microsoft's global marketing and distribution resources," said Carver.

The first game to be cobranded under the acquisition will be Links Extreme. The upcoming golf game is best described as "golf with attitude" by adding Deathmatch Golf and a Demolition Driving Range.