December 17^th, 2003 (12:00am) - 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 critically acclaimed massively multiplayer role-playing franchise that draws together thousands of players within a dynamic, evolving fantasy world. The original title launched in 1999 and has since spawned an expansion pack, “Asheron’s Call Dark Majesty” and an award-winning sequel, “Asheron’s Call 2: Fallen Kings.” The “Asheron’s Call” franchise is best known for its episodic updates, which provided new additional game features and storyline content every month.

“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.