Press Release: April 19, 1999
Microsoft to Acquire Access Software
REDMOND, WA - April 19, 1999 - Microsoft today announced its intent to acquire Access Software, the leading developer and publisher of PC golf games. A 15 year old franchise, Access’ Links series, which includes the recently released Links LS 99, has been the best-selling PC golf line in both units and dollars since 1992.
"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."
Microsoft plans to continue publishing the MS Golf series in order to round out the company’s golf offerings. The Microsoft Golf line will provide consumers with value-priced PC golf game, while Links would occupy the premium position for the golf simulation customer.
Under the terms of the pending acquisition, Microsoft would acquire the entire Links library including Links LS, Links Extreme, the Phoenix of Japan Add-On Course, the US Open at Pinehurst and the 5-Course Libraries Volumes 1-4. In addition, Microsoft would acquire the Tex Murphy adventure series.
Microsoft's intent is to allow development of Access' titles to continue in Access' Salt Lake City office. Bruce Carver, president, founder and CEO of Access Software, would join Microsoft and assume the responsibility of preserving and growing the Links franchise by continuing to focus on product development.
"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.
Currently under development at Access is Links Extreme, a game which features golf with attitude, including such areas of Deathmatch Golf and a Demolition Driving Range. Links Extreme is intended to be the first game to be co-branded under the Access/Microsoft name.
A perennial award-winner, Access has received numerous distinctions for their titles, including:
- 1999 Codie Awards - Best New Sports Software Game (Links LS 1999 Edition)
- 1998 SPA - (Finalist) Best Use of Visual Arts in Multimedia - Links LS '98
- 1998 SPA - (Finalist) Best Overall Multimedia Production - Links LS '98
- 1998 SPA - Best Sports Software Game - Links LS '98
- 1997 PC Magazine - Editor's Choice Award - Links LS '98
- 1997 Computer Gaming World: Adventure Game of the Year - The Pandora Directive
- 1997 Computer Gaming World - Editor's Choice Award [ Five Stars ] - Links LS '98
- 1997 SPA - Best Sports Software Game - Links LS '97
- 1996 PC Games Magazine - Editor's Choice: Best Sports Game of the Year - Links LS '97
- 1996 PC Games Magazine - Editor's Choice: Best Adventure Game - The Pandora Directive
- 1996 PC Gamer Magazine - Editor's Choice Award - The Pandora Directive
- 1996 Games Magazine - Game of the Year - Links LS '97
- 1996 Computer Gaming World - Adventure Game of the Year - The Pandora Directive
- 1996 US News & World Report - The Best of Golf: Best CD-ROM - Links LS '97