FASA

Original FASA Logo

FASA Corporation was an American publishing company known for its development and production of tabletop games, role-playing games (RPGs), and wargames throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Founded in 1980 by Jordan Weisman and L. Ross Babcock III, FASA first gained recognition for its work on the licensed Star Trek role-playing game and later became famous for original properties such as BattleTech and Shadowrun.

History

FASA Corporation was established in Chicago, Illinois, but later relocated to Bellevue, Washington. The name FASA was originally an acronym for "Freedonia Aeronautics & Space Administration", a playful nod to the fictional country of Freedonia from the Marx Brothers' movie Duck Soup. Initially, FASA produced supplements for existing RPGs, but it soon branched out into creating its own games.

In 1982, FASA secured the rights to produce the Star Trek: The Role Playing Game which enjoyed considerable success and introduced many to the world of tabletop RPGs. However, it was the launch of BattleTech in 1984, a game of futuristic armored combat, that truly put FASA on the map. BattleTech's intricate universe and detailed miniatures captured the imagination of gamers worldwide.

Following the success of BattleTech, FASA released Shadowrun in 1989. Shadowrun combined elements of cyberpunk, urban fantasy, and crime, with a setting in a near-future Earth where magic has reawakened. The game was notable for its unique blend of technology and mysticism, and it quickly garnered a dedicated fan base.

Acquisitions and Legacy

Throughout its active years, FASA expanded its portfolio through the acquisition of other game titles and the creation of new ones. However, in 2001, FASA Corporation announced it was closing its doors and would cease active operations. The rights to its major properties were sold; WizKids, a company founded by Jordan Weisman, acquired BattleTech and Shadowrun. Later, the rights to these games would change hands again, ensuring their continued presence in the gaming world.

Despite ceasing operations, FASA Corporation's impact on the gaming industry is enduring. BattleTech and Shadowrun remain popular, with new editions of the games being published and a variety of multimedia adaptations, including novels, video games, and more. The innovative mechanics and rich storytelling of FASA's games have influenced countless developers and designers in the tabletop and digital gaming arenas.

See Also

• Tabletop game
• Role-playing game
• Wargame
• Jordan Weisman
• L. Ross Babcock III