Codemasters Jumps Off MMORPG Bandwagon Of Doom
Dragon Empires cancelled due to 'technical difficulties'
Whatever it takes to get an MMORPG anywhere near completion, the folk behind the likes World Of Warcraft and Everquest 2 must be rubbing their hands with glee at having that ‘it’. Following the cancellations of Warhammer Online, True Fantasy Live Online, Mythica and Ultima X Oddysey (by Sega, Microsoft and EA respectively), it’s clearly a tricky business. Indeed, Artifact Entertainment managed to send themselves bust with MMORPG Horizons, even after it had gone on sale.
So it’s not really that surprising to see Codemasters binning its own MMORPG, Dragon Empires. Apparently production has ceased due to ‘technical issues’. We strongly suspect that these are the same ‘technical issues’ experienced by the other cancelled projects, i.e. technically there wasn’t enough (or any) scope for profit.
Somewhat ironically, the scope for profiting from MMORPGS will have been significantly widened following yet another cancellation, and if those projects still in production can make it to their release date, they could enjoy a surprising level of success.
So it’s not really that surprising to see Codemasters binning its own MMORPG, Dragon Empires. Apparently production has ceased due to ‘technical issues’. We strongly suspect that these are the same ‘technical issues’ experienced by the other cancelled projects, i.e. technically there wasn’t enough (or any) scope for profit.
Somewhat ironically, the scope for profiting from MMORPGS will have been significantly widened following yet another cancellation, and if those projects still in production can make it to their release date, they could enjoy a surprising level of success.
Read More Like This
Comments
Joji 3 Sep 2004 15:58
1/2
This is so weird after many claiming online gaming was where things are at. Broadband access being much better and PCs being a lot cheaper and faster, it is indeed strange.
I still think that some shorter online games would be a better option next to so many large epic quests. Perhaps the online RPG bubble has burst, or maybe there is to many of them. It's never fun watching this happen.
I better sign up for my Ragnorok Online account, though I know the game is unlikely to disappear since it's Korean. Hope so anyway.
I still think that some shorter online games would be a better option next to so many large epic quests. Perhaps the online RPG bubble has burst, or maybe there is to many of them. It's never fun watching this happen.
I better sign up for my Ragnorok Online account, though I know the game is unlikely to disappear since it's Korean. Hope so anyway.
bbam 4 Sep 2004 08:16
2/2
Right as an avid MMORPG gamer here I am sad to see this one go however these games are missing out the sheer simplicity that the public want from these games they are creating massive complex worlds and nobody wants them. Also as i have said before it would be easier to release it for a smaller fee during beta stages then update every week or so. This would create a higher scope for development as they would get more hands on feedback.