The lights are on
Rhode Island is now in control of 38 Studios' IP, including Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning and its MMORPG offshoot, known as Project Copernicus. The state is planning to seize computer equipment to keep the IP as intact as possible in preparation for an eventual sale.
Rhode Island helped the studio relocate there from Massachusetts by issuing $75 million in state bonds. As collateral, the now-bankrupt 38 Studios offered its assets, including patents, software, property, and the rights to its IP. The state moved to take control of those assets to prevent a bankruptcy trustee from selling items, such as computers, individually. Rhode Island argued in court that such a move would irreparably damage the state's efforts to keep 38 Studios' IP intact, as it prepares for a resale.
In an interview with Game Informer, EA Label president Frank Gibeau expressed interest in a possible Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning sequel. A source within Reckoning's development team later told us that EA passed on such a sequel in March.
[Source: Bloomberg News, via Gamasutra]
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I wonder who they are going to sell it to.
This is just an ugly situation all arround isn't it?
I hope the IP goes to a developer that can do the series justice. I really liked KoA despite its "MMO-ish" traits and I'm still holding out hope that either Copernicus or at least a single-player sequel will see the light of day.
Such a shame that this happened as it did.
Maybe EA can get it... turn it into Mass Effect Age lighter.
Hopefully Bethesda or Epic buy the rights.
I really enjoyed the game, what a shame this all happened.