EVE Online developer CCP said today it is canceling its long in development MMO
World of Darkness, and laying off dozens of staff.
The game was in development since 2006, with CCP’s Atlanta, GA location heading up development. With the cancellation of the game, 56 people in Atlanta will be laid off, CCP
said in a statement today. Some employees were offered other roles within CCP, which has offices in North America, the UK, China and Iceland.
The
World of Darkness team suffered
headcount cuts in 2011, and more recently
late last year.
"The decision to end the World of Darkness MMO project is one of the hardest I’ve ever had to make,” said CCP CEO Hilmar Petursson. “I have always loved and valued the idea of a sandbox experience set in that universe, and over the years I’ve watched the team passionately strive to make that possible.”
He added, “To our current and former employees and fans of
World of Darkness, I am truly sorry that we could not deliver the experience that we aspired to make. We dreamed of a game that would transport you completely into the sweeping fantasy of
World of Darkness, but had to admit that our efforts were falling regretfully short. One day I hope we will make it up to you.”
Petursson said going forward, CCP will be able to put all of its focus on the
EVE universe, including the MMO
EVE Online and the online shooter game
Dust 514.
The Atlanta studio is still operational, according to CCP, with the remainder of the staff there working on games in the
EVE universe.
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UPDATE: CCP has confirmed to Gamasutra that 45 staffers remain in its Atlanta offices after the project shutdown and layoffs.
