Mythica MMORPG Cancelled By Microsoft

Ivan writes "Microsoft announced that it has cancelled Mythica, its internally developed massively multiplayer PC RPG with a Nordic twist. The official website has the formal cancellation announcement, but additionally, 1UP spoke with MS reps who gave a few more details, noting 'the company had two MMORPG projects in development -- Mythica, and an as-yet-unannounced title. Rather than support the development and eventual maintenance of two MMORPGs in an already crowded and highly competitive market, Microsoft cancelled Mythica to make room for its other game.'"

Comments

MS's MMOGs

[Silwenae]

Considering Microsoft's "other MMOG" is a as yet unannounced game from Sigil Games (sigilgames.com) I can't say I'm suprised.

Sigil Games, founded by Brad McQuaid, one of the original creators and producer of Everquest before leaving for Sigil, is working on a 3rd generation MMOG as he calls it.

Say what you will about EQ, but it's still the market leader for MMOGs here in the US. He's hired a ton of talent from the original EQ team to build his game.

Can't say I blame Microsoft at all for betting their chips on Sigil instead of Mythica, considering Turbine already bought Asheron's Call 2 back from Microsoft and running a MMOG isn't cheap, though you can make most of it back over time.

Re:MS's MMOGs

[JelloGnome]

Right now, Final Fantasy Online has more subscribers than EverQuest (worldwide). I don't know the exact numbers, but EQ is between 400-500k and FFXI is between 500-600k. I think Final Fantasy's astronomical growth rate demonstrates that the current MMORPG market is not saturated. Personally I'm glad Microsoft is giving Brad McQuaid the opportunity to take back the MMORPG title. A good choice, but Richard Garriot would have been better. Richard Garriot created the first version of Ultima Online with $250,000 and a handful of hobbyist text MUD designers. And UO, with graphics relatively unchanged since 1996, is the third most popular MMORPG with around 250k subscribers. Imagine what Garriot could do with some real money! Well for once, I'd like to say best of luck to Microsoft. Mythica was obviously not going anywhere. And Sony needs a nice ass whopping after ruining Planetside and SWG :) McQuaid may just have what it takes to bring the fun back to MMORPGs.

Re:Bluster

[Gyorg_Lavode]

Microsoft is funding what will be a VERY high profile game. It will most likely announce by the end of the month.

The company is called Sigil Games Online and is made up of the creative minds that designed the original Everquest. Sigil has hired up a lot of the Everquest talent, (which may account for the odd ball expansions that have been released. ie PoP, LoY, GoD, and Luclin). Also, Sigil has only hired experienced people. Expect a good game out of these people. They are MUD players, Pen and Paper Players and people who suffered the problems of the original MMoRPGs. They also have ears directly connected to the online community and they listen to what people like and dislike.

Re:Hmmmmmmmmmm

[rasafras]

I'm really glad to see you're not a bandwagon Microsoft smasher... [/sarcasm]

FYI, Microsoft just released the source code to Allegiance, a multiplayer game that was years ahead of its time but died due to lack of publicity and players.
As for this project, since it isn't finished I don't quite see the point in releasing the source. It wouldn't be quite so useful, and modding a MMORPG is not on the top of my list.