Universe – MMO Fallout

Transformers Universe Shutting Down January 2015

Jagex has announced that the servers for MOBA Transformers Universe will shut down on January 31st, 2015. The decision was made mutually between the UK developer and Hasbro, and comes on the hilt of both companies realigning their focus for the year ahead.

The shutdown period will begin from today. As part of the winding down we will be refunding all those that have purchased a Founders Pack, as well as anyone that has purchased relic bundles and starter packs. These refunds should be all processed in the next 30 days. In addition we will be closing the ability for new players to make accounts, those of you that already have accounts will continue to be able to use them until the closure date.

Players who do not receive refunds after January 16th should email customer support.

(Source: Transformers Universe)

Transformers Universe Layoffs Coming

Jagex has confirmed that layoffs and employee shuffling are expected to hit the Transformers Universe team. In a statement to Games Industry, a Jagex spokesperson noted that the game has reached a stage in development where redundancies in staff can be shuffled over to other projects and in some unfortunate cases be laid off. While no layoffs have occurred yet, they will likely be happening at some point in the near future.

Jagex human resources have already begun the consultation process with the team, and are looking into repositioning individuals to other existing or emerging roles.

The UK developer is looking at shuffling its employees toward RuneScape, the recently announced card game Chronicle, and an unannounced title that may or may not be the unnamed fantasy MMO dubbed “Thirdscape” by fans that CEO Mark Gerhard very briefly spoke about four years ago.

(Source: Gamesindustry.biz)

Jagex Appoints Filmmaker To Creative Director

Jagex has put out a press release revealing that Alex de Rakoff will be taking the helm as Creative Director. De Rakoff is best known for his role as director/writer in Need for Speed: The Run and Grand Theft Auto 2, as well as for directing the 2009 film Dead Man Running. He will be working as Creative Director on RuneScape 3 as well as the upcoming and regularly delayed Transformers Universe.

(Source: Jagex Press Release)