Microsoft will buy privately held Access Software for an undisclosed sum of money, acquiring the development company, the complete Links series, its add-on courses, and back catalog.
Ironically, Access was founded 15 years ago by the team that first created the Microsoft Golf franchise, before it went off to develop the Links games without Microsoft's help.
"We are excited to be reuniting the Microsoft and Access Software team that created the original Microsoft 'Golf' franchise," said Ed Fries, general manager of the Microsoft Games Group. "Its 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 said it would keep the Access Software development studio intact over in Salt Lake City, Utah. Bruce Carver, founder and CEO of Access, will stay on at Access overseeing the continued development of the Links golf franchise.
"The acquisition provides a great opportunity for Access Software," Carver said. "Our development team would remain in Salt Lake City, allowing us to continue our focus on producing great PC golf games while benefiting from Microsoft's global marketing and distribution resources."
Access is currently working on Links Extreme, a humorous version of its regular golf game with deathmatch and other modes. This will be released at the end of May.
As for Microsoft's current series of 'Microsoft Golf' games, the mega-publisher said it would continue to offer that line as its budget ($20) golf game for novices, while holding up the Links series as the premium game for serious computer golf fans.
--JB