Mark Jacobs' departure leaves Mythic employees 'shocked'

Continuing its coverage of the Mythic / BioWare merger announced earlier today, Massively reports that Mythic employees were taken aback by the departure of studio head Mark Jacobs. An anonymous Mythic employee told Massively, "I can't even fathom Mark leaving a company he loved so much, it was his life. Personally, I can't see that this is voluntary in any shape or form."

As for the merger itself, the employee stated that the staffs of both studios were informed of the decision this morning. Employees were assured that no one was being let go, and Massively's source said that all employees of both companies were heading to a movie theater this afternoon to be addressed by new Group General Manager Ray Muzyka.

When asked if Jacobs' departure might be related to the subscription numbers of Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning, the source stated, "The numbers aren't that bad, and last I heard the numbers were back on the rise," adding, "I know the game was making money."

Overall, the source said that the mood is positive at Mythic, expressing that "a lot of people" at the studio would like to work on Star Wars: The Old Republic. The source concluded by saying that the employees of Mythic "will continue to go on without their fearless leader."