Publisher NCSoft has canceled work on Blackstar, a science-fiction MMO deep in development by Austin-based Spacetime Studios. As a result of the cancellation, Spacetime has been forced to lay off 12 of its employees, but remains somewhat optimistic and committed to the IP.
Spacetime shares news of the cancellation on their official website, making it clear that they are disappointed by NCSoft's decision, but that they will not allow it to affect their relationship with the company. For the 12 employees who were laid off, Spacetime will supply severance, extended benefits, and letters of recommendation. On the official site, Spacetime encourages developers looking to hire to contact them for more information about these individuals.
As for BlackStar, Spacetime appears dedicated to continuing work on the MMO, and looking for other publishers once all contractual obligations with NCSoft have been completed. Spacetime has handled this entire matter with incredible class and dignity, and we wish them the best of luck.
[Via GameDaily]
Reader Comments (6)
Posted: Jan 14th 2008 7:18AM (Unverified) said
MMOs are a fools game.
Developers probably should have learned by now. Still... as someone who's company recently went under myself, I hope the guys involved come out of it ok.
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Developers probably should have learned by now. Still... as someone who's company recently went under myself, I hope the guys involved come out of it ok.
Posted: Jan 14th 2008 8:07AM ThornedVenom said
When WoW hit the market, gold prospectors from the wild game-developing west sought out this precious market, hoping that one day they too would hit the jackpot.
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Posted: Jan 14th 2008 8:10AM ThornedVenom said
It'd be hilarious if Spacetime ended up becoming the second WoW... then NCsoft would be pissed.
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Posted: Jan 14th 2008 10:10AM (Unverified) said
My friend interviewed with Spacetime a few weeks back. He told me about this a few days ago. Sure is glad he didn't get hired by them! :)
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Posted: Jan 14th 2008 11:06AM (Unverified) said
NCSoft should have never teamed up with Sony. (smirk)
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