Looking to beef up their entertainment software offerings, Microsoft is backing Digital Anvil, an Austin, Texas, videogame start-up founded by top vidgame developer Chris Roberts and indie film director Robert Rodriguez ("From Dusk Till Dawn," "El Mariachi").
Anvil CEO and chairman Roberts was formerly a VP with Origin Systems, publishers of "Wing Commander," a top-selling vidgame incorporating live action footage and live film stars such as Mark Hamill. He was also an exec producer for Origin's parent company, Electronic Arts.
Rodriguez will serve as exec producer on any vidgame content licensed to film or TV. He's also consulting on all online multi-player games and interactive movies.
Microsoft's investment is on a per-title basis, for as much as $7 million each, with distribution and marketing being handled by Microsoft. Sources say Anvil has a 10-title slate on the boards.
The new company's top execs include game industry vet Marten Davies, audio software technologist John Miles and former Philips Media veep and CFO Craig Cox, now CFO of Digital Anvil.
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