Chinese launch of MMO cancelled as studio moves to focus on supporting ‘live game’ in US and Europe

Carbine lays off staff as WildStar performance flags

A number of developers have lost their jobs at WildStar developer Carbine.

WildStar launched as a pay-to-play title in 2014, before transitioning to a free-to-play service just one year later.

More than 60 staff were made redundant following the game’s initial launch, as Carbine parent firm NCSoft restructured the outlet.

A second ‘reorganisation’ has now taken place, with an additional number of employees laid off as a result.

Speaking on the WildStar forums, NCSoft’s Omeed Dariani said that the losses were due to the game’s drooping performance, as well as the additional work invested into bringing the title to China. That version of WildStar was also confirmed to be cancelled.

"Earlier this morning, Carbine Studios completed a reorganization of its operating structure,” he said.

“Moving forward, the studio will focus on operating and updating WildStar as a live game in the US and Europe. As part of this change, the studio has canceled its plans to bring WildStar to China.

“Unfortunately, as a result of these changes, we’ve had to reduce staff. These cuts are directly tied to WildStar’s evolution from a product in development to a live title, to the cancellation of work to bring WildStar to China, and to the overall performance of WildStar since launch in 2014.”

Dariani continued: “These kinds of decisions are exceptionally difficult. The talented and passionate professionals who are impacted by these cuts have been valuable team members and respected colleagues. We wish everyone well for the future and will be providing severance and employment search assistance.

“As for WildStar, we remain committed to the game. Over the next few weeks and months we will deliver a significant update to the game, kick off a variety of community events, and continue our work on new content that we will talk more about in the near future."

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