CCP cancels World of Darkness, reduces staff

Eve Online and Dust 514 developer CCP has announced the cancellation of its MMO World of Darkness, as well as a reduction in staff.

The company revealed in a statement this week that with the canning of the title’s development, 56 jobs have been cut at its Atlanta studio.

"The decision to end the World of Darkness MMO project is one of the hardest I’ve ever had to make," CEO Hilmar Veigar Ptursson said.

"I have always loved and valued the idea of a sandbox experience set in that universe, and over the years I’ve watched the team passionately strive to make that possible.

"I would like to give special thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make the World of Darkness MMO a reality, especially the team members affected by this decision. Their considerable contribution to CCP will not be forgotten, and we wish them well.

"To our current and former employees and fans of World of Darkness, I am truly sorry that we could not deliver the experience that we aspired to make. We dreamed of a game that would transport you completely into the sweeping fantasy of World of Darkness, but had to admit that our efforts were falling regretfully short. One day I hope we will make it up to you.

"Although this was a tough decision that affects our friends and family, uniting the company behind the EVE Universe will put us in a stronger position moving forward, and we are more committed than ever to solidify EVE as the biggest gaming universe in the world."

World of Darkness was originally revealed in 2006 as a "vampire simulator," and later confirmed to still be in the pre-production phases just last year.