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The Courier - Realtime Worlds goes into administration: 170 jobs lost
Realtime Worlds goes into administration: 170 jobs lost
Dundee's economy has been dealt a savage blow today with the collapse of leading video games company Realtime Worlds, leading to the loss of 170 jobs.
The Realtime Worlds HQ in Dundee.
- By Bruce Robbins
- Published online : 17.08.10 @ 04.51pm
Staff were told their fate at a meeting at the company's West Marketgait HQ after senior management bowed to overwhelming financial pressure and called in administrators.
The mass sacking follows an announcement late last week that a further 60 staff dedicated to the company's new Project MyWorld game were being laid off.
Realtime's failure is a massive blow as the company has been held up as shining example of the direction in which a post-industrial Dundee needed to go in order to rebuild the city's shattered economy.
The company had hoped last month's launch of its ambitious online game All Points Bulletin (APB) would give it the perfect platform to take on the dominant World of Warcraft online game, which generates billions of dollars of revenues annually.
However, the PC-only title received a lukewarm reception and the business model it was built around — gamers having to pay a monthly subscription fee to keep playing rather than buying the game outright — has been criticised in some quarters.
Ken Pattullo and Paul Dounis of Begbies Traynor have now been appointed joint administrators. They said a consultation process is now under way with staff.
Prior to the administration, Realtime Worlds employed around 210 people.
Microsoft Flight, Age of Empires Online and Fable 3 on PC were all shown at Gamescon:
Introducing “Microsoft Flight”
Twenty-eight years after the debut of “Microsoft Flight Simulator 1.0,” Microsoft Game Studios also announced the internal development of “Microsoft Flight,” a new Windows exclusive. “Microsoft Flight” will bring a new perspective to the long-standing genre, welcoming everyone, including long-time fans, to experience the magic of flight.
A teaser of the future of Flight on the Windows-based PC is available at http://www.microsoft.com/games/flight.
Microsoft Heralds a New Age of Gaming With “Age of Empires Online”
New franchise installment joins exciting PC lineup of LIVE-enabled titles from Microsoft Game Studios.
COLOGNE, Germany — Aug. 17, 2009 — On the eve of gamescom 2010, the world’s largest consumer-oriented games showcase, Microsoft Corp. unveiled the newest addition to the famed “Age of Empires” franchise, “Age of Empires Online.” Microsoft also announced the development of “Microsoft Flight,” a new entry inspired by the best-selling “Microsoft Flight Simulator” franchise. Published by Microsoft Game Studios, these new titles, along with the previously announced “Fable III,” fully integrate the free* Games for Windows – LIVE online service to deliver compelling socially connected gameplay experiences.
“Today, we’re bringing powerful, inventive gaming experiences to the Windows-based PC,” said Phil Spencer, corporate vice president of Microsoft Game Studios. “Over the years, our PC heritage captured the hearts and minds of millions of players. Reinventing these iconic franchises with social, shared experiences at their core marks the beginning of our return to PC gaming in bold new ways.”
“Age of Empires” for a New Era
With more than 20 million copies sold worldwide, the “Age of Empires” series redefined real-time strategy games for Windows-based PC players. Now, the timeless franchise once again invites players to experience its rich storyline in new ways. Developed by Robot Entertainment, “Age of Empires Online” will invite players to create a living, growing online world, shared with friends and friendly rivals around the globe. Begin the journey with your own Greek civilization, and watch as it progresses from a village to an empire. Embark on quests along the way, alone or with friends, and immerse yourself in epic tales, quirky characters, adventure, history, and strategy. Together with the Games for Windows – LIVE service, “Age of Empires Online” delivers a rich, social experience that lets you play however you want — anywhere, anytime.
Marrying fresh features with iconic gameplay, “Age of Empires Online” offers something for long-time fans, newcomers, and everyone in between. “Age of Empires Online” will feature:
* A persistent online capital city that lives and grows even when you’re offline
* Cooperative multiplayer quests, trading, and a level-based system that lets you progress at your own pace
* Fun, approachable style and storylines
* Free-to-play experiences via Games for Windows – LIVE
More information, news, and chances to join the beta program are available at http://www.ageofempiresonline.com.
Discover Adventure With “Fable” on the PC
“Fable III” for Windows lets you once again join the action, drama and adventure while you rule Albion as the next king or queen in an ever-evolving world of rebellion and revolution. Discover new quests and unlock new regions as you make choices and sacrifices to test your morality and potentially affect your entire kingdom. The choice is yours: Reunite the impoverished people of your kingdom as their monarch, or bring Albion to the brink of collapse.
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