Electronic Arts has just announced the permanent suspension of the Ultima X: Odyssey MMORPG project. They have decided it is in the best interest of the franchise to focus their efforts in other directions. Here is the official release from Chris "Binky" Launius:
Greetings Ultima X: Odyssey Community,
I wanted to give you a status update on Ultima X: Odyssey.
We've decided that in order to focus more resources on upcoming Ultima Online projects, we will permanently suspend the development of Ultima X: Odyssey. We understand that you may be disappointed by this news, but let me assure you that this decision is in the best interest of the franchise.
Members of the UXO development team will be moved to other Ultima Online projects, including an upcoming expansion pack that is due out this winter, as well as another unannounced project.
The overwhelming response to our recently released 7th Anniversary Edition and upcoming expansion pack convinced us to focus more of our development efforts on the future of UO. There are some amazing things in store, and I have never been more excited about what I'm seeing in development for Ultima Online.
"I'd like to thank the fans for their support of Ultima X: Odyssey. It's that kind of passion that has fueled Ultima Online's success for seven years and will continue to drive it for years into the future," said David Yee, Producer of Ultima X: Odyssey.
I have attached the post from David Yee (which will live here: http://www.eagames.com/redesign/games/pccd/uxo/home.jsp) for your review.Thank you for your support.
I'll see you in Britannia!
Chris "Binky" Launius
Online Community Manager
All Things Ultima
The following statement has also been made by David "InQWis" Yee, the Producer of UX:O:
Dear Ultima X: Odyssey community members,
As of today, development on Ultima X: Odyssey has ended. We feel that Ultima Online is where we need to focus our online efforts and most of my team will be moving to the UO expansion pack, the UO live team, and an unannounced Ultima Online project. Development on UO will be greatly enhanced as we consolidate our resources behind that franchise.
This isn't an easy decision but it's the right move for the future of all things Ultima, including the community and the team. We look forward to sharing our plans for the future of Ultima Online very soon.
I would like to thank all of the Ultima X: Odyssey supporters who have been with us from the beginning. I hope you will continue to support the Ultima franchise and the development team as they transition to new projects.
Thank you,
David "InQWis" Yee
Producer, Ultima X: Odyssey
We at MMORPG.COM are a bit saddened by this announcement. This was a very innovative and promising looking title. We would like to thank the people at EA for their efforts in supporting our community and wish them the best in their future endeavors.
