Troubled publisher THQ has revealed plans to lay off 118 staff and drastically change one of its anticipated projects.
79 staff will lose their jobs from developer Vigil Games (Darksiders II), and a further 39 will likely leave Relic Entertainment (Company of Heroes).
The publisher explained that the job cuts were because a previously announced Warhammer MMO (Warhammer 40,000: Dark Millennium Online) has been cancelled in its current format. Instead of releasing it as an MMO, THQ has decided to change the game to a "premium experience with single and multiplayer gameplay".
CEO Brian Farrell said: "As previously announced, we have been actively looking for a business partner for the game as an MMO. However, based on changing market dynamics and the additional investment required to complete the game as an MMO, we believe the right direction for us is to shift the title from an MMO to a premium experience with single and multiplayer gameplay, robust digital content and community features."
"Because we believe strongly in the high-quality and vast creative work that is in production, this is the right decision for both our portfolio and for gamers devoted to this powerful property."