SOE just confirmed the rumors about the layofs and closure of multiple stations. Hereby, the MMORPG which I was looking forward to, known as 'The Agency' is no longer in development and skipped from the SOE release list. What a shame!

"As part of a strategic decision to reduce costs and streamline its global workforce, SOE announced today that it will eliminate 205 positions and close its Denver, Seattle and Tucson studios. As part of this restructuring, SOE is discontinuing production of The Agency so it can focus development resources on delivering two new MMOs based on its renowned PlanetSide and EverQuest properties, while also maintaining its current portfolio of online games. All possible steps are being taken to ensure team members affected by the transition are treated with appropriate concern.

"This strategic decision will have no impact on SOE's current portfolio of live games; additionally SOE will transition development efforts for the Denver and Tucson studios' suite of products to its San Diego headquarters. This strategic alignment of development resources better positions SOE to remain a global leader in online gaming and deliver on its promise of creating entertaining games for players of all ages, and servicing the 20 million players that visited SOE servers in just the past year."

Originally posted by lars1134

SOE just confirmed the rumors about the layofs and closure of multiple stations. Hereby, the MMORPG which I was looking forward to, known as 'The Agency' is no longer in development and skipped from the SOE release list. What a shame!

 

"As part of a strategic decision to reduce costs and streamline its global workforce, SOE announced today that it will eliminate 205 positions and close its Denver, Seattle and Tucson studios. As part of this restructuring, SOE is discontinuing production of The Agency so it can focus development resources on delivering two new MMOs based on its renowned PlanetSide and EverQuest properties, while also maintaining its current portfolio of online games. All possible steps are being taken to ensure team members affected by the transition are treated with appropriate concern.

"This strategic decision will have no impact on SOE's current portfolio of live games; additionally SOE will transition development efforts for the Denver and Tucson studios' suite of products to its San Diego headquarters. This strategic alignment of development resources better positions SOE to remain a global leader in online gaming and deliver on its promise of creating entertaining games for players of all ages, and servicing the 20 million players that visited SOE servers in just the past year."

Can't say I am surprised. The original idea looked cool, but the later development into a mere shooter was kinda superfluous and shitty.

I think it is better to focus on promising MMOs than spread ressources over too much half assed stuff.

...

"REMAIN global leader in online gaming"? And what are they dreaming about at night? XD

At least Planetside: Next is still in development