Jagex shutting down Transformers Universe
Runescape developer to focus on owned IP going forward, will restructure around that goal
Last month, UK developer Jagex proposed downsizing its team as the free-to-play MMO Transformers Universe "reaches a new stage of development in its life cycle." That stage in the life cycle would be the last one, as today the company said it will shutter the game entirely.
The move was agreed upon with Transformers owner Hasbro, and both companies will move on to new things. Jagex said it is changing its development strategy going forward to focus on its own intellectual property, like the long-running RuneScape. Hasbro, on the other hand, "intends to pursue alternative digital gaming opportunities" for its robots-in-disguise franchise.
"If there are any staffing issues that arise out of this additional level of restructuring, then we will discuss them with the parties concerned first and foremost," a Jagex representative said. "As ever, we will make any possible outcomes public, but only at the appropriate time."
Transformers Universe has entered a maintenance period, and will shut down for good on January 31 next year.
Such a shame for all the great people working there being laid off before Xmas(although it's never a good time of course), I hope they all find their feet quickly.
And for those starting Indie ventures with redundancy cash etc feel free to connect @TpickardDev, as an indie dev I'm always happy to discuss and share info where we can. We've had great help of Brighton based devs like futurlab since going indie :) and are happy paying it forward where we can.
Take us back to those Unicorn days! Its a winner :)