Climax Receives UK Government Funding For MMO

Representatives from UK developer Climax have announced details of a new development project with EM Media Investments. Climax’s online studio based in Nottingham, England will be involved in the development of a number of game prototypes based on the company’s massively multiplayer online engine Leviathan. The Leviathan engine has not yet been used in any commercial titles, but was the basis for the still in-development Warhammer Online project, which, barring any other announcements, is presumed to be proceeding toward release separately of these funded MMO prototypes. EM Media is part-funded by the UK Film Council, along with European Regional Development Funds, and has previously worked with UK companies such as FilmFour, BBC Films, Carlton Television and Channel 4. The development is intended as part of EM Media’s ongoing package of support for the game sector in England's East Midlands. This package offers developers, freelancers and game companies a combination of business development support, training and skills development funding, and investment opportunities. Over the last three years EM Media have supported a number of software developers in the region, including helping Free Radical Design in Derbyshire with the development work of TimeSplitters, as well as funding for Strawdog Studios. EM Media's support had also covered a number of mobile games, as well as investment in a range of individuals, projects and game ideas. According to Fred Hasson of developer association TIGA, "UK companies are facing stiff competition from lower cost economies, but are also threatened by regional grants and state aids in countries such as Canada and Australia. TIGA therefore welcomes and applauds EM Media’s foresight in assisting one of the UK's top developers to compete and especially to create new IP to the benefit of the sector and the UK economy."