38 Studios estimates it will take 50 to 100 million to finish Copernicus, Schilling looking for investors

Hmm, this doesn't seem to bode well. Here's hoping Copernicus doesn't turn into another Stargate: Worlds.

**Has flashbacks to the development of Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning**

Damn, Salvatore is expensive.

Someone give 38 some more cash and make it snappy.

50 to 100 million . . . more? Are they developing an MMO or a military weapons project? :p

I could understand 50 to 100 million total (though even that boggles the mind a little) but this has been in development for a couple of years already. Needing that much MORE cash is a little disturbing.

They're trying to make the guy that said it would take a billion dollars to develop an MMO that could beat WoW not look like an idiot, right?

Woah, what the heck that is alot of freakin money

I want to see this game released, but if they were already cutting it close, why did they pick up another company? Especially one that isn't pulling in profits atm.

For that money I can make a game!!

Sadly, the MMOG industry is following the Hollywood entertainment industry model too closely like many people predicted and observed years ago. Multi-million dollar budgets leading to overruns, flops and risk-adverse investors. I expect more major losses reported followed by big-name mergers and buyouts soon.

What's next? A writer's strike?

On the up-side, this creates opportunity for Indie projects aiming for niche markets with shoestring budgets. Does anyone know if there is a web site analogous to Massively.com that specializes in covering Indie MMOG projects?

Historically, I prefer AAA titles from established companies but believe many are soon due a "correction" -- of which Hollywood is long overdue. I believe the era of the Indie MMOG is almost upon us. . .

*Curt ftfy

Maybe he should ask Nancy Pelosi?

I guess with McFarlane and RA Salvatore on board as well as the best of the best in MMO gaming design, ya gotta fork over a lot of money to make everyone happy. With today's inflation rate and the way the business is going right now (stagnant), 50 to 100 million isn't that bad.

It costs about 100 million to make a 90 minute movie, so to make a great MMO, I don't find the price tag that unreasonable.

If I send $5 can I get my name in the credits?

Maybe $10?

Looks like we will have another unfinished game if they don`t find enough money.Are we going to see another Vanguard/Warhammer Online release?

I really hope they can find some investors and release their game.

You're lookin' at the next Vanguard here, folks.

Good god I called, I think we all could see this coming a million (no pun intended) miles away - ION Storm of the MMO world.

Oh noesss! This was my most anticipated MMO! I wonder how long they can sustain themselves before they need the $50-100 million more. Damn! I hope they find some funding... I was REALLY interested in seeing this game. Here's to hoping Curt can sweet talk a few investors.

/me raises beer.

That's funny, because I think what Curt actually said was:

"It takes anywhere from $50-$100 million to make a large MMO."

Plus, he already has something like $30 million of his own money invested in the company, and the reason they're still searching is because they have the breathing room and time with so much initial capital.