Microsoft to acquire Ensemble Studios

Microsoft has announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire Ensemble Studios, developers of the popular Age of Empires game franchise. Under the terms of the agreement, Ensemble Studios will continue to develop games to be published exclusively under the Microsoft games label.

"We are thrilled to bring Ensemble Studios under the Microsoft banner,'' said Stuart Moulder, general manager of the Games Division at Microsoft. "The depth of talent and the leadership of Tony Goodman is a winning combination, and this acquisition will help strengthen our mutual commitment to remaining a PC games industry leader.''

Ensemble Studios is currently developing Age of Mythology for the PC platform. No specific console projects have been announced at this time.