Los Angeles - Microsoft has shuttered its FASA Studio game development unit, developers of the "Shadowrun" franchise, GameDaily.com reported.

About half of the staff will now work in other positions within Microsoft Game Studios.

In addition to "Shadowrun," which Microsoft said it will continue to support, FASA developed titles such as "MechWarrior," "MechAssault" and "Crimson Skies."

"It is my sad duty to announce that FASA Studio has officially closed its doors," FASA Studio manager Mitch Gitelman said on the company's blog.

"Today was the official last day of employment for those of us who had not moved on to other positions within Microsoft Game Studios. While the rumors have been circulating forever, we chose to wait on an official announcement because we didn't want people's attention distracted from our last product, Shadowrun, a game we love."

Related Links:
http://biz.gamedaily.com/industry/feature/?id=17411

http://fasastudio.com/default.htm?c00=0