Eve Online developers CCP Games have announced the cancellation of World of Darkness after a period of "re-evaluation". The MMORPG was first announced way back in 2006 and has since had a troubled development. The cancellation results in the loss of 56 jobs at CCP Games' Atlanta, Georgia studio, that were working on the game. CEO Hilmar Veigar Pétursson, explains the decision in the following statement:
"The decision to end the World of Darkness MMO project is one of the hardest I've ever had to make. 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."
While the decision to cancel World of Darkness shouldn't come as a major surprise to anyone seeing its troubled past, it's disappointing to see a project that on paper sounds fantastic get scrapped. Best of luck to those affected by the lay-offs, and here's hoping we'll see an MMO based on World of Darkness some day.