The gaming industry has been struck with yet another setback as the eagerly anticipated Warhammer MMO developed by Jackalyptic Games has been officially canceled. This disappointing news follows the closure of the studio, a move that has left the gaming community in mourning for what could have been a thrilling addition to the MMO landscape. Jack Emmert, known for his work on City of Heroes, Champions Online, and Star Trek Online, has been at the forefront of this project. Under his leadership, hopes were high for a unique gaming experience.
From Ambitious Beginnings to an Abrupt End
After managing the DC Universe Online team, which evolved into Dimensional Ink Games in early 2020, Jack Emmert embarked on a new secretive endeavor. Initially intended to be a Marvel-based MMORPG, this project was later scrapped by Enad Global 7. Emmert then founded Jackalope Games, later rebranded as Jackalyptic, with support from NetEase. In May 2023, whispers began to circulate about an MMO centered around the Warhammer universe, promising to be accessible and true to its storied IP. Despite these ambitious plans, the project has now been shelved due to NetEase’s recent strategic shifts, resulting in the closure of Jackalyptic Games.
Impact on the Gaming Community
The announcement was made on the company’s LinkedIn page, where Emmert expressed gratitude for the support received throughout the development process. He encouraged the talented team members to explore new opportunities, emphasizing their creativity and collaborative spirit. This development is reminiscent of other recent MMO disappointments, like the closure of Amazon’s New World and the cancellation of a Lord of the Rings MMO. Fans of the Warhammer franchise are particularly affected, as they long for another MMO since the 2013 shutdown of Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning. Meanwhile, Warhammer 40,000’s Eternal Crusade also ended due to dwindling player numbers in 2021.