Shacknews just posted a juicy rumor saying that “non-essential employees” have been let go at Ensemble Studios. The developer, which past success is largely attributed to The Age of Empires series, has been hard at work on Halo Wars for an Early 2009 release.
Recently, we’ve seen the same case with Hellgate: London (Flagship Studios), layoffs at LucasArts, and last year with Shadowrun (FASA Studios). This sucks for gamers, because the likelihood of a game being supported post-release becomes more of a hazy affair.
When’s the last time you heard about Shadowrun being updated? Yeah, you probably forgot all about it.
Update: Microsoft Games Studios’ Phil Spencer has confirmed the rumors, saying the following in an email sent out to the press:
“Following the closure, the Ensemble leadership team will form a new entity and have agreed to partner with Microsoft to develop future products and provide support for Halo Wars post launch.”
Via Shacknews
September 10th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Think it will even get released ?
p.s.
Like the new look for the site.