EA has just announced that they will be the exclusive publishers of 38 Studios’ first title. no, this isn’t the previously announced MMO Copernicus but instead a game developed by Big Huge Games. What we know about this title is that it is currently codenamed ‘Project Mercury’ and will be an ‘epic single-player RPG’. It should be epic considered it’s headed by Ken Rolston, the guy behind Oblivion and Morrowind.
That’s about all we have regarding the game but expect more at this year’s GDC.
via joystiq
Developer 38 Studios — founded by former MLB pitcher Curt Shilling — has announced that they’re acquired the struggling Big Huge Games. Earlier this year, THQ had to let Big Huge Games loose, after experiencing financial difficulties.
The studio was then on the verge of bankruptcy for several months, until being rescued by 38 Studios, which will take over all IP, assets and tools as well. The developer is currently working on an MMORPG (code)named Copernicus.
Following up on word that THQ plans to close Big Huge Games if a sale is not completed soon, the studio has been forced to reduce its staff.
"Some of the staff were notified that they were not going to be part of the future direction of the studio," confirmed THQ representative Julie MacMedan.
While the rep would not divulge how many people were affected, Develop reports that the studio saw a “huge amount of layoffs.”
The studio is responsible for such titles as Rise of Nations and Catan. It is known to be working on a Wii game and a RPG led by Oblivion designer Ken Rolston.
Big Huge Games, developer of the Rise of Nations series, is up for sale, according to publisher and owner THQ. The publisher released a statement regarding the matter;
“THQ informed the staff at its Big Huge Games studio in Timonium, MD, that it plans to close the studio if a sale is not completed in the near future. These actions were unfortunate but were necessitated by the difficult economic environment.”
THQ acquired Big Huge Games last year, but the economic downturn is forcing the publisher to cut jobs across the board, an estimated 24% of THQ workforce might lose their jobs this year. Big Huge Games is said to be working on two titles at the moment; an RPG for the PC, Xbox 360 and PS3, and a separate Wii title as well.
