Microsoft to Acquire Game Developer Digital Anvil

Microsoft

(MSFT) - Get Report

plans to acquire

Digital Anvil

, a privately held game developer based in Austin, Texas.

Microsoft will gain the rights to select Digital Anvil game titles, including space combat simulation game FreeLancer, as well as a yet-to-be-announced title for Microsoft's

Xbox

game console. Financial terms of the agreement weren't disclosed.

Other game developers Microsoft has acquired include

FASA Interactive Technologies

,

Access Software

and

Bungie Software Products

. The Xbox video game system is scheduled for release in the autumn of 2001.

Shares of Microsoft were recently trading up $3.31, or 5.9%, to $59.75 in

Nasdaq

trading.