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I guess this is standard end-of-life procedure for MMOs now: http://ultimacodex.com/2014/02/ultima-online-under-new-operations/
In the latest Ultima Online Producer’s Letter, Bonnie “Mesanna” Armstrong delivered some unexpected news.
Beginning February 1st, 2014, Mythic Entertainment Co-Founder Rob Denton’s new studio: Broadsword Online Games (http://www.broadsword.com) will partner with EA’s Mythic Entertainment to operate, support and develop Ultima Online on EA’s behalf. Electronic Arts will continue to provide billing and account services through its Origin™ portal. Broadsword and Electronic Arts will work closely together to ensure a bright future for Ultima Online.
Additionally, in the Questions & Answers section of the Producer’s Letter, there are some interesting tidbits:
So, the production staff seems to think this change means great things for the future of Ultima Online. Bonnie even goes on to say “the future has never looked so bright!” However, Broadsword is a very small team, only 14 individuals, and are now maintaining both Ultima Online and Dark Age of Camelot. I’m skeptical, but willing to wait to see how future updates are handled before making a decision.
- Broadsword Online Games is not an Electronic Arts studio. However, for purposes of Ultima Online, Broadsword will be operating the game on EA’s behalf to continue its success
- Players will continue to access UO through EA’s Origin™ portal. There will be no interruption or change in the payment service.
- The UO Development Team *will* be changing. Broadsword’s additional investment into UO provides the freedom to expand their resources for bigger projects.