Asheron's Call franchise sold
by VGLN Staff

Thursday, December 18, 2003

MMORPG rights will be sold back to original creators.

Microsoft Game Studios today announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell the massively multiplayer online gaming franchise Asheron’s Call back to the games’ creator, Turbine Entertainment Software Corporation. The franchise transfer includes all Asheron’s Call intellectual properties, including Asheron’s Call, Asheron’s Call: Dark Majesty and Asheron’s Call 2: Fallen Kings.

Asheron’s Call is a massively multiplayer role-playing franchise based in a fantasy world that has attracted thousands of subscribers. The original title launched in 1999 and has since spawned an expansion pack, Asheron’s Call Dark Majesty and a sequel, Asheron’s Call 2: Fallen Kings.

“We have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with Turbine. ‘Asheron’s Call’ has been a strong contributor to the success of both companies and has enjoyed critical acclaim as a ground-breaking title in the evolution of the massively multiplayer online community,” said Adam Waalkes, Microsoft Game Studios role-playing studio manager. “We are proud of our accomplishments with ‘Asheron’s Call,’ and we wish Turbine success with the franchise in the future.”

Microsoft and Turbine began their partnership in 1996, resulting in the successful launch and run of Asheron’s Call. During the change of ownership, Microsoft will provide transition services for a limited time, including testing and billing services. Specific details regarding on-going operations of the Asheron’s Call franchise will be announced in the near future.

--- Kit