Microsoft ends development of 'Mythica' game

Saturday, February 14, 2004

Microsoft ends development of 'Mythica' game
Company's decision means 40 employees will lose their jobs

By TODD BISHOP
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

Microsoft Corp. is ending development of its "Mythica" computer role-playing game, cutting up to 40 positions from Microsoft Game Studios as a result.

The company said the decision was based on its evaluation of the competitive environment in the category of games to which Mythica belongs -- known in gaming parlance as massively multiplayer online role-playing games, or MMORPGs.

Microsoft said the decision was not related to a trademark-infringement lawsuit filed against it in December by Virginia-based Mythic Entertainment, whose "Dark Age of Camelot" MMORPG game would have competed with "Mythica." Microsoft said in a written statement yesterday that it has been working with Mythic Entertainment to settle the dispute amicably. The suit also includes allegations of unfair competition against Microsoft.

The employees whose positions are being cut from Microsoft Games Studios as a result of the decision to end development of "Mythica" will have an opportunity to apply for jobs elsewhere within Microsoft, the company said. The affected positions are on Microsoft's Redmond campus. Microsoft Game Studios is 1,200- member group that makes titles for Windows PCs and the Xbox console. "Mythica" was announced last year, and it had been expected to debut this spring.

On the "Mythica" Web site this week, the company released a statement in which Microsoft Games Studios' Adam Waalkes explained that Microsoft had decided to streamline its portfolio of MMORPG games. "After a rigorous review of current and future projects, the decision was made that 'Mythica' would not be one of the projects we would continue to invest in," he said on the site.

Gamers who had been anticipating the release of "Mythica" expressed their dismay on various sites dedicated to the game. "Why, I just don't understand it," wrote one. "This game had so much going for it. The team was great, the concept great, and the mythos was incredible."

Although Microsoft adds thousands of positions each year, it is not unprecedented for the company to trim positions from groups because of changes in strategic focus. For example, the company last year cut 161 positions from its Microsoft Consulting Services business.

P-I reporter Todd Bishop can be reached at 206-448-8221 or toddbishop@seattlepi.com

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