World of Darkness Canceled, Layoffs at CCP

Despite some promising talk and a few interesting tech demos, we’ve never seen anything really concrete about World of Darkness, so I’m not surprised to learn, through Eurogamer, that the MMO has been finally canceled, especially considered that it seemed at risk of cancellation multiple times in the past. Rather unfortunately, around 56 developers have been laid off as a consequence:

“The decision to end the World of Darkness MMO project is one of the hardest I’ve ever had to make,” commented CCP boss Hilmar Veigar Pétursson. “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.

“I would like to give special thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make the World of Darkness MMO a reality, especially the team members affected by this decision. Their considerable contribution to CCP will not be forgotten, and we wish them well.

“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.

“Although this was a tough decision that affects our friends and family, uniting the company behind the Eve universe will put us in a stronger position moving forward, and we are more committed than ever to solidify Eve as the biggest gaming universe in the world.” “

I have to say I’m a bit disappointed to see that now CCP’s future seems to again be focused almost exclusively on EVE Online, but I suppose their attempts to diversify their portfolio didn’t work so well. Also, and it goes without saying, we hope that anyone that was affected by this cancelation will be able to land on their feet and find another job soon.

Update: CCP has published a statement on their official website, which is more or less the same that was provided to Eurogamer, but provides more information on the laid off and remaining team members:

As a result of the change, 56 employees of the Atlanta studio have lost their jobs. Some team members have been offered roles on other projects inside the company, and CCP has provided severance packages and job placement assistance for those affected.

The remaining team in Atlanta will focus on games in the EVE Universe, which will mark the first time since 2006 that the entirety of CCP will be working on a single universe.