MMO delays are as unsurprising as they are unwelcome, as it takes a superhuman feat of effort, scheduling and testing to get these mighty virtual behemoths out the door. So while it is sad news to Earthrise fans that this post-apocalyptic sci-fi MMO won't be seeing a Q2 2010 release date, delays like this are becoming more typical than not with big-budget titles.
What is unexpected, however, is how Masthead made the announcement, eschewing the front page of the website in favor for an odd and decidedly quirky forum post. In it, the Earthrise team puts the blame for the launch delay, as well as the delay of an anticipated combat video, on a robot assassin named Jaberwokie:
"This message is coming to you from the safety of our remote emergency office, as the few survivors have fled the main premises and are in safe, unknown locations in deep seclusion recovering from the recent accidental attack of evil robot assassin 'Jaberwokie.' Due to the demolition of key figures in Masthead development, it has unavoidably slowed down progress, delaying development and quite possibly resulting in a later than originally envisioned launch schedule. (Oops.) The good news is that we still have forums, and therefore an outside link to all of our caring and concerned community where will we continue to provide updates regarding development progress as we rebuild and repair operations so we may continue bringing the world of Enterra to life. As proof of our commitment to you, we have provided a picture of our sys admin who will keep the forums alive at all costs.
"The determined survivors would also like me to mention that the combat video will not appear before the 16th of April due to this tragic circumstance. It will be released in full 'when it is ready,' as the robot assassin truly went out of control. We understand this delay places us at risk from sea bass, but we are not afraid! Our devotion is strengthened by the challenges ahead of us, and we thank you for your patience and understanding! "
You can read the full announcement -- along with gruesome pictures -- on the Earthrise forums.
Reader Comments (12)
Posted: Apr 13th 2010 6:19PM Harabeck said
This thread will clarify the origin of Jaberwokie: http://forums.play-earthrise.com/index.php?topic=6086.0
Posted: Apr 15th 2010 3:35PM Harabeck said
Official delay announcement: http://forums.play-earthrise.com/index.php?topic=6167.msg90447#msg90447
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Posted: Apr 13th 2010 6:20PM Pilgrim said
The delay and the whole jabberwokie project was in regards of a video Masthead has been promising. The game itself hasn't been announced as delayed (yet)
Posted: Apr 13th 2010 7:00PM Tovrin said
Hang on a sec. Isn't this the game that Interplay jumped in on to halt Bethesda developing a Fallout MMO? I knew Masthead were doomed when they jumped into bed with Interplay.
Posted: Apr 14th 2010 11:29PM Harabeck said
The game? No. In the process of developing Earthrise, Masthead developed many of their own tools. Interplay contracted with Masthead to make use of these tools for V13 (Fallout MMO). According to Masthead, they will only provide personnel to Interplay as they are not needed for Earthrise. In theory, it should simply be an extra revenue stream for Masthead.
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Posted: Apr 13th 2010 7:22PM Graill440 said
The origination came from Better off Ted. The now defunct comedy a year and change ago.
Posted: Apr 14th 2010 10:41AM postman said
you are incorrect. The name came from the hip hop artist Aesop Rock
I know this because Project Jaberwokie is my brain child
http://forums.play-earthrise.com/index.php?topic=5998.0
http://forums.play-earthrise.com/index.php?topic=6086.0
http://gallowglass.gamingproject.com/forums/content.php
I have never watched better off ted, never even heard of it
Reply
I know this because Project Jaberwokie is my brain child
http://forums.play-earthrise.com/index.php?topic=5998.0
http://forums.play-earthrise.com/index.php?topic=6086.0
http://gallowglass.gamingproject.com/forums/content.php
I have never watched better off ted, never even heard of it
Posted: Apr 14th 2010 12:26PM Halldorr said
postman I think he means the name "Jabberwocky" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jabberwocky
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Posted: Apr 13th 2010 8:07PM Dandmcd said
More and more I have this sinking feeling Earthrise is going to be put on the backburner possibly for good to help work on their Fallout MMO instead.
Posted: Apr 13th 2010 8:56PM Joshua Przygocki said
If they need time, give it to them. If the MMO isn't great launch day, week, or month, it will probably start to go belly up.







