Tag: Copernicus

“Fake Ass Witch Hunt” Against Curt Schilling Results In No Charges


Kingdoms-of-Amalur-Reckoning-Screenshtos

The case of 38 Studios is finally coming to a close as the Rhode Island state attorney general Peter Kilmartin has declined to press charges against Curt Schilling and members of the state economic development board. According to an eight page report filed by the attorney general, there is not sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. While the decision means that no charges will be levied at this time, it does not interfere with the ongoing Securities and Exchange Commission charges levied against the state, nor does it prevent a later case being picked up should new evidence come to light.

Curt Schilling called the investigation a “fake ass witch hunt”

Former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling been the center of attention since the collapse of his game developer 38 Studios in 2012 and the ensuing investigation over a $75 million loan backed by the state of Rhode Island. The loan is being investigated over allegations that the parties involved knew that it would not be sufficient to complete work on Project Copernicus (the Kingdoms of Amalur MMO). The Rhode Island Economic Development Corp as well as Wells Fargo have been charged with fraud in relation to the loan.

(Source: Game Informer)

38 Studios Unveils Project Copernicus


We’ve known about 38 Studios’ plan to bring forth an MMO for quite some time, and with the bad news of late (money trouble, not paying loans, meeting with the governor, not paying employees, etc) it may be rather difficult to focus on the fact that 38 Studios is still working on said MMO. While very little is known about the game, 38 Studios released the above fly-through which showcases (at the very least) the art-style that we can expect.

Hopefully we see plenty more from 38 Studios in the future. With an impressive array of names including Todd McFarlane and a story written by none other than the man who owns my very soul, R.A. Salvatore (the monolith crumbling was not my fault, that contract was still fulfilled). Kingdoms of Amalur was a fun game, despite some criticisms, and it would be a grave disappointment to see such an amazing team lose out because of the bean counters.

More on 38 Studios and Project Copernicus as it appears.

Subsidies and Incentives And Government, What The Hell?


State Funded MMOs?

Today’s news gets stranger and stranger. Earlier today, it was reported that TERA, upcoming MMO by Bluehole Studios, has been subsidized by the Korean Government. As part of the Global Plan, the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has selected Bluehole to be part of their fund in an effort to expand Korea’s presence in the MMO realm (this is where you point out the hundred thousand Korean MMOs on the market). It is quite an exclusive program, and is one of nine projects selected.

Don’t worry, it gets stranger. Heading back over to the states, our news focuses on 38 Studios, which at this point in times is located in Massachusetts. As it seems, Rhode Island is very interested in having 38 Studios, with their upcoming MMO Copernicus, and they were willing to extend an olive branch. Granted, the olive branch already existed, but Rhode Island is offering 38 Studios a guaranteed $75 million loan in exchange for relocating the company. For a teeny tiny company like 38 Studios, the thought of a guaranteed $75 million must be a godsend (or a nightmare imagining paying that back).

Next time on MMO Fallout? I’m still waiting on the release of Kim Jong Ill’s MMO.