Game Shutdown - Magic: Legends

hotfrostworm

I just started to test the game for Linux OS and today they announced a shutdown. The players will get a 100% refund and the server will remain up until midnight PT on Oct. 31st. This is a real shock. I am somewhat at a loss, the amount of money spent getting that to beta must be a hard pill to swallow. I am glad Cryptic is being so positive and refunding the beta testers.

Here is the official notice, in case you missed it.

By the way, it is playable on Linux OS, you will need WINE or Play on Linux. We didn't get around to testing Steam's Proton.

blargskull

I just installed Steam to help you test this... I must be a jinx.

So what are you planning to test next?

kalina311

kinda makes us feel "lucky" that neverwinter server is still actually up

autumnwitch

kalina311 said:

kinda makes us feel lucky that neverwinter server is still actually up

I knew something was going on a Cryptic this week there was so much radio silence on Monday. That said, I wonder if this is a good or bad thing for NW? Might NW get some of the devs working on ML?

hotfrostworm

autumnwitch said:

kalina311 said:

kinda makes us feel lucky that neverwinter server is still actually up

I knew something was going on a Cryptic this week there was so much radio silence on Monday. That said, I wonder if this is a good or bad thing for NW? Might NW get some of the devs working on ML?

I am unaware "why" this happened or "who" pulled the plug. A heck of a lot of money was poured into this project. Take a look at the trailer, advertisements, then there is all the wages, power, training, etc. This one got further along than the ill fated Jurassic World. I believe Chult was built upon the leftover models from that project. Wendy and I expected this game was about to release soon, as earlier as, late summer or this fall. I doubt there will be much more information, but I can make some educated guesses.

Lack of popularity? Seemed there was a few people following it, but not enough interest could be a big factor.
Workforce / Labor issues? Both Douglas and Chris left or was dismissed, who knows how many work at Cryptic today?
Budget cuts? If PWE sent them a budget, with not enough funding for wages, then they simply had to let the team go.
External influence? Maybe WoC felt the game wasn't living up to their expectations and pulled the IP rights.

Could be any, all, or even none of the above. I doubt anyone here on the forums will ever know. I guess someone who left Cryptic or was dismissed might leak that information, but they won't do it. Most companies make it very clear "snitches get stitches".

People on Star Trek was asking the same question, what repercussions will occur. I don't think this will have an adverse affect on any of the existing games. Should PWE decide to sell off or liquidate Cryptic Studios, it might be game over. I don't think we will be seeing any new games from Cryptic anytime soon.