FASA

From BattletechMUX

FASA was an American publisher of role-playing games, wargames and boardgames from 1981 till 2001. Originally the name FASA was an acronym for "Freedonian Aeronautics and Space Administration", a joking allusion to the Marx Brothers film Duck Soup, though in later years the letters of the name did not actually stand for anything.

FASA is credited with the creation and spread of Battletech, which eventually inspired a group of people to create BattletechMUX.

FASA unexpectedly ceased active operations in early 2001, but still exists as a corporation holding IP (intellectual property rights) which it licenses to other publishers. Contrary to popular belief, the company did not go bankrupt. Allegedly the owners decided to quit while the company was still financially sound in a market they perceived as going downhill.

Battletech was licensed off to WizKids, who in turn licensed their publication to FanPro LLC. FASA Interactive was purchased by Microsoft, leading to the creation of games such as Mech Assault.