Project Copernicus
Setting: Fantasy | Developer: 38 Studios/Big Huge Games | Announcement: 2008 | Cancellation: 2012 | Planned Platforms: PC
What was Project Copernicus supposed to be? Big Huge Games planned a massive MMORPG based on the single-player RPG “Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning”, released in 2012. It was supposed to take place in the same world and was oriented, according to the few available informations, on World of Warcraft.
Players would explore the world, complete quests, and fight monsters to improve their heroes.
What was the special feature? Working on the game was the bestselling author R.A. Salvatore, known for his D&D novels about the dark elf Drizzt Do’Urden. His influence on the story and setting was already evident in “Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning”. Therefore, Project Copernicus was also supposed to place great value on deep lore and exciting stories.
Why was it canceled? 38 Studios secured a loan from the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (EDC) in 2010. However, the studio could not repay this two years later as it was now bankrupt.
“Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning” did not sell well at all. In 2012, all work on Project Copernicus was halted, and the studio closed due to bankruptcy.
