Game Creator, Microsoft to Form Company

Chris Roberts, creator of the Wing Commander line of computer games, is expected to announce today the launch of Digital Anvil, a multimedia interactive software gaming company that will be backed financially by Microsoft Corp. Digital Anvil, which will be based in Austin, Texas, has assembled a pool of creative talent that includes Robert Rodriguez, director of “El Mariachi” and “Desperado.” The company plans to release its first multi-player games and interactive movie titles in late 1998. Digital Anvil has signed a multi-title publishing deal with Microsoft, which will also be an equity investor in the company. Hoping to position itself as a force in the computer game market, Microsoft plans to pursue other partnerships with small, high-quality game developers, said Ed Fries, general manager of Microsoft’s entertainment business unit.