Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Pitchblack Games' Dominus abruptly shutting down]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/pitchblack-games-dominus-abruptly-shutting-down/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/pitchblack-games-dominus-abruptly-shutting-down/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/pitchblack-games-dominus-abruptly-shutting-down/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Goodnight, sweet prince
We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but sometimes it's just unavoidable. Sanya Weathers, Director of Community for Pitchblack Games' in-development sandbox title, Dominus, posted on the forums today to inform players that, effective immediately, Dominus is no more.

Weathers states that the team "simply cannot deliver the game [players] deserve with the resources [the studio has]." She goes on to apologize vehemently, adding that the forum is now read-only, though the game's Facebook page will remain open long enough for players to say their last goodbyes. Sanya signs off by thanking the players for proving that "there is a market for a game like [Dominus]." She concludes, "I will miss you all, and I know we'll meet again." Here's to hoping. Best of luck to the folks over at Pitchblack; we look forward to your next endeavor.

MassivelyPitchblack Games' Dominus abruptly shutting down originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closingclosing-downclosuredominuspitch-blackpitchblackpitchblack-gamesprime-battle-for-dominuspvpsanya-weatherssci-fishut-downshutting-downMon, 30 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LEGO Universe shutting down January 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/lego-universe-shutting-down-january-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/lego-universe-shutting-down-january-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/lego-universe-shutting-down-january-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

LEGO Universe
Playtime's over, people -- time to pack up your LEGO bricks and move on. The word's come down from the LEGO Group that LEGO Universe is closing its doors on January 31st, 2012 due to a lack of paying customers. While the game has been free-to-play for a while, apparently not enough players were interested in dishing out cash to keep the MMO operational.

The news was posted just moments ago on the official forums along with a more in-depth FAQ:
Hello Adventurer, today we are very sad to announce that LEGO Universe will be closing on January 31, 2012. This was a very difficult decision to make, but unfortunately LEGO Universe has not been able to attract the number of members needed to keep the game open.

We are thankful to have had the opportunity to share this adventure wiith an amazing community of players. We hope you will continue to enjoy LEGO Universe for the last few months. As a thank you, if you are a paying subscriber on December 31, 2011, we will provide you the full game for the final month for free.

Again, we want to thank the fantastic community of players who made LEGO Universe such a vibrant, fun and creative experience.

Sincerely,
The LEGO Universe Team
Unfortunately, this closure means that the associated studios, including one in Colorado and one in Denmark, will be shuttered and 115 employees will be affected. LEGO Universe launched in October 2010 and converted to a free-to-play model this past August. We've included the official press release behind the break.

Continue reading LEGO Universe shutting down January 2012

MassivelyLEGO Universe shutting down January 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closingclosing-downclosuref2pfree-to-playlegolego-grouplego-universeplay-well-studiosshutting-downsunsetsunsettingFri, 04 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The end of Exteel]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/the-end-of-exteel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/the-end-of-exteel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/the-end-of-exteel/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Set the flags to half-mast, put on your blackest mech armor, and raise a glass with us: As of September 1st, Exteel is shutting its doors and powering down its giant fighting 'bots. NCsoft announced the game's cancellation with a bittersweet consolation prize in the form of a late August event where all parts and mechs will be sold for one NCcoin apiece.

Exteel has been around since December 2007, a mere month after Massively itself opened its doors. While it was never a title to garner a huge amount of attention, Exteel's combination of a mech-based setting, PvP-centric play and microtransaction funding made it unique to the MMO genre.

NCsoft said that the game was no longer "financially viable," adding, "We know that we have many loyal players who love Exteel. Although this decision was a painful one, in the end it was a business decision that had to be made. We encourage everyone to play and have fun with the game that you love in the time you have left."

MassivelyThe end of Exteel originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cancelcancellationcancelledexteelf2pfree-to-playftpmechmechanaughtmicrotransactionsncsoftpvpshutting-downThu, 29 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cabal Online is shutting down in the West]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/22/cabal-online-is-shutting-down-in-the-west/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/22/cabal-online-is-shutting-down-in-the-west/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/22/cabal-online-is-shutting-down-in-the-west/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


OGPlanet, publisher for the free-to-play MMORPG Cabal Online, announced last week that the title will be closing down effective March 31, 2010. Cabal, developed by ESTsoft and originally released in Korea back in 2005, was localized and released for the North American market in early 2008, and featured combat-heavy gameplay and a dark storyline set in the world of Nevareth.

OGPlanet offered up a somber press release on the game's web site. "We truly felt that a game like Cabal Online would offer something different and unique for our loyal OGPlanet members, and in many ways, we believe it has. While we had hoped to continue operating the game as part of our services, the game's developers, EST Soft, has unfortunately decided not to extend our contract for Cabal Online," the release states.

OGPlanet goes on to say that item shop transactions were suspended on March 19, and that they "are doing everything we can to compensate our loyal customers."

[Edit: There is an update to this story here.]

MassivelyCabal Online is shutting down in the West originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cabal-onlineest-softfree-to-playgame-closingogplanetshutting-downMon, 22 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spellborn dropping out of the Japanese market]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/spellborn-dropping-out-of-the-japanese-market/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/spellborn-dropping-out-of-the-japanese-market/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/spellborn-dropping-out-of-the-japanese-market/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The somewhat European inspired fantasy MMO The Chronicles of Spellborn is shutting down its Japanese service, causing a stir of worry and discussion about the title's future in other territories within the community at large. To make matters worse, the one person who could've cleared up any confusion, TheHistorian, is no longer with publisher Acclaim as community manager for the game. Given that he was the sole link between the community and developers, it's no wonder people are feeling a bit unsettled by the whole affair.

While the closure of The Chronicles of Spellborn Japan isn't a good thing, it doesn't necessarily spell out a dark future for the title. A business deal could've gone sour, or perhaps the audience in Japan just wasn't strong enough to maintain the title. Just in cast something does happen, however, we'll be keeping an eye out for any further development.

MassivelySpellborn dropping out of the Japanese market originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acclaimclosedcmcommunity-managereuropeeuropeanjapanshut-downshutting-downspellbornspellborn-internationalspellborn-japanthehistorianTue, 02 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeon Runners shutting down in January]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/dungeon-runners-shutting-down-in-january/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/dungeon-runners-shutting-down-in-january/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/dungeon-runners-shutting-down-in-january/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


In the No-Surpise-to-Anyone category, we have news that NCsoft's Dungeon Runners will be closing its doors on January 1, 2010. We only say no surprise because of the fact that the game has been running on a handful of devs for quite a long time now, which is a shame, because Dungeon Runners is actually a fun little game.

Staying true to their wonderful sense of humor, Stephen Nichols, DR's Producer and Lead Programmer, released a statement yesterday detailing the closure. He certainly doesn't butter it up at all as he explains that the game just isn't turning a profit, regardless of their efforts over the last year. They're now down to a 3-man team, which is near impossible for any studio to use in maintaining a game.

Luckily, for those currently subscribed to the game, some treats are coming your way, including free City of Heroes Architect Edition and Guild Wars Chapter 1: Prophecies. So if you've never played Dungeon Runners before, you have a little over three months to jump in for free and check it out before the game shuts down for good.

MassivelyDungeon Runners shutting down in January originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsclosuredrdungeon-runnersncsoftshutting-downstephen-nicholsThu, 17 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tabula Rasa to shut down in February 2009]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/21/tabula-rasa-to-shut-down-in-february-2009/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/21/tabula-rasa-to-shut-down-in-february-2009/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/21/tabula-rasa-to-shut-down-in-february-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


It's been a fairly good run for Tabula Rasa, but the inevitable has now been announced. As of February 28, 2009, Tabula Rasa will be shutting down its servers for good. We've feared an Auto-Assault-like fate for the game for a while now, but confirmation of this event truly saddens everyone in the MMO community.

According to the announcement, the folks at TR plan on going out in style, though. Not only will they continue to pump out some new, quality content in the remaining months, but the game will actually go free-to-play for its final month and a half. You can check out more of their upcoming final plans with the game, as well as the official announcement at their website.

MassivelyTabula Rasa to shut down in February 2009 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbreaking newsbreakingnewsdestination-gamesendncsoftrichard-garriottshutting-downtabula-rasatrFri, 21 Nov 2008 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters to close US service for RF Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/03/codemasters-to-close-rf-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/03/codemasters-to-close-rf-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/03/codemasters-to-close-rf-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


If you're a fan of RF Online, you may be saddened to hear that Codemasters Online will be closing down operations of the sci-fi MMO on November 10th of this year. This closing will affect both North America and Europe. According to the official website, the game's license is set to expire shortly, and Codemasters and Korean developer CCR could not agree on any terms to keep the game alive.

This game, while not wildly popular, did make history as one of the first Eastern-style MMOs to make it to the Western market. It's also the first MMO serviced by Codemasters, who has since gone on to publish such hits as Lord of the Rings Online and Dungeons and Dragons Online in Europe. For more information on the closing of RF Online, check out the game's official Closing FAQ.

MassivelyCodemasters to close US service for RF Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccrclosingcodemasterskoreanrf-onlinesci-fishutting-downFri, 03 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mythos beta is shutting down tonight]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/mythos-beta-is-shutting-down-tonight/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/mythos-beta-is-shutting-down-tonight/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/mythos-beta-is-shutting-down-tonight/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


The woes continue at Flagship Studios. It was just announced that the Mythos beta will shutdown tonight. The official time slotted for its cease of operations is at July 18th, 2008 at 11:59 CST. Community manager Tiggs left the message on the forums which are also due to close at the same time.

"We, the ancient elders of Uld are issuing this warning to all citizens and travelers. Hurry! The great darkness that once plagued Uld is returning. Everyone is ordered to close down their shops and prepare. We predict the when night is at its peak the darkness will arrive. The ancient elders of Uld will be leaving immediately in order to preserve the lore of this wonderful world. Citizens please prepare thyself and know that the elders will be back from their travels some day."

Flagship Studios claims that the Mythos beta is going on a hiatus. That's pretty vague term associated with the closure of a beta that stems from a financial and legal crisis at a development studio. It does signal a possible return later, and we do hope Mythos continues development in the near feature and sees a well-deserved release. Lead developer on Mythos, Travis Baldree recently posted on the forums expressing his thanks and gratitude along with his uncertainty for how long the Mythos beta would remain operational. Now we know, and so soon.

MassivelyMythos beta is shutting down tonight originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betasbreakingcease-operationsclosedclosingflagshipflagship-studiosforumsmythosmythos-betamythos-closedmythos-shutdownnew-titlesshutdownshutting-downtiggsFri, 18 Jul 2008 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Mythos, Hellgate forums scheduled to die tonight]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/mythos-hellgate-forums-scheduled-to-die-tonight/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/mythos-hellgate-forums-scheduled-to-die-tonight/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/mythos-hellgate-forums-scheduled-to-die-tonight/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Flagship Studios rep Tiggs announced last night on the official Mythos and Hellgate London forums that both forums will be shutting down effective midnight tonight. The message was very brief, and didn't give any specific clues as to when, if ever, the forums will be back. Tiggs simply said: "We would like to thank everyone for being a part of this wonderful community and we hope to see you all again soon."

This comes after Flagship was forced to lay off almost its entire staff. Presently, HanbitSoft is trying to get its hands on both projects, but both companies face legal hurdles that must be overcome before the plan can move forward. Lead Mythos developer Travis Baldree made a forum post earlier this week expressing his hope that the team will be able to get back together and resume work on its game. We hope so too!

[Via WarCry]

MassivelyMythos, Hellgate forums scheduled to die tonight originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betacloseclosedclosingflagship-studiosforumshanbitsofthellgate-londonmythosshutting-downtiggsFri, 18 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST