Jagex shutting down Transformers Universe Runescape developer to focus on owned IP going forward, will restructure around that goal

Brendan Sinclair North American Editor Tuesday 16th December 2014 Share this article Share

Companies in this article Jagex Games Studio

Last month, UK developer Jagex proposed downsizing its team as the free-to-play MMO Transformers Universe "reaches a new stage of development in its life cycle." That stage in the life cycle would be the last one, as today the company said it will shutter the game entirely.

The move was agreed upon with Transformers owner Hasbro, and both companies will move on to new things. Jagex said it is changing its development strategy going forward to focus on its own intellectual property, like the long-running RuneScape. Hasbro, on the other hand, "intends to pursue alternative digital gaming opportunities" for its robots-in-disguise franchise.

"If there are any staffing issues that arise out of this additional level of restructuring, then we will discuss them with the parties concerned first and foremost," a Jagex representative said. "As ever, we will make any possible outcomes public, but only at the appropriate time."

Transformers Universe has entered a maintenance period, and will shut down for good on January 31 next year.