Ed FriesDeveloper BIOEd Fries joined Microsoft in 1985, as an intern in the Applications group, responsible for upgrading a system used to create and display online tutorials.
In 1995, Fries joined Microsoft Game Studios and began developing publishing relationships with game developers including Ensemble Studios, BioWare, Gas Powered Games, FASA Studios, Relic Entertainment, Lionhead Studios, Bizarre Creations, Big Huge Games and Rare Ltd.
Under Ed's tutelage, MGS has produced game franchises for both the Xbox and Games for Windows platforms, including Flight Simulator, Combat Flight Simulator, Age of Empires, Rise of Nations, Zoo Tycoon, Halo, MechAssault, Crimson Skies and Project Gotham Racing.
In the early days of Xbox, Ed was instrumental in locking down support from third-party developers, and in the process producing a robust game library. He also orchestrated the acquisition of Bungie Studios, Ensemble Studios, and Rare Ltd.
In January 2004, Ed Fries left the company and Shane Kim took his place. Fries consulted with the start-up company FireAnt, Inc. founded by two other ex-Microsoft employees. When the studio was acquired by Sony Online Entertainment and turned into the SOE Seattle Division, he joined Sony as executive producer of the new office.
Contributed by
Sciere 
(124860) on Jan 17, 2004. [
revised by :
Sciere (124860)].
