The “Daybreak Game Company” is known for large MMORPGs like Everquest and Everquest 2 or the short-lived hit H1Z1. But apparently, they are currently having a run of bad luck: They were reportedly working on a major AAA Marvel MMORPG until December 2018, which has been canceled.
Who is the “Daybreak Company?” The company is “actually” a well-known MMO and MMORPG company. They were a part of “Sony Online Entertainment” for many years.
The studio has long been responsible for milestones in the MMORPG and MMO genres:
- 1999 Everquest
- 2003 Planetside
- 2003 Star Wars Galaxies
- 2004 Everquest 2 was released
- 2011 the MMO DC Universe Online
- 2012 then Planetside 2
- and they even recently had a hit with H1Z1: King of the Kill
In December 2018, 70 people were laid off – Now we suspect why
What about the “Marvel MMORPG?” About exactly one year ago, DayBreak laid off about 70 people. This was roughly one-third of the company back then.
Now players have discovered why so many employees had to leave all at once (via reddit): Apparently, Daybreak’s Austin studio was working on a “Marvel MMORPG”.
This is evident from “concept art” that former Daybreak employee Ronald Stevens has uploaded as proof of his work.
This aligns with other statements from former employees.
Moreover, job descriptions from Daybreak were circulated, indicating that they plan a new game based on a “world-renowned, major brand.” However, the game was never officially announced.
The Marvel MMORPG was reportedly to be developed using the Unreal Engine 4 and was supposed to be released for PC, PS4, and Xbox One. It was referred to as a “AAA title.”
But apparently, the Marvel MMORPG did not come to fruition, was canceled, and the employees on the project were either laid off or assigned to other projects.
Since separating from Sony, things have not been going well
What is this curse? Since the company separated from Sony and became independent as the “Daybreak Game Company” and was purchased by an investor, there have been predominantly negative news regarding the company:
- They were involved in a scandal surrounding a Russian oligarch
- The only current hit game “H1Z1” has somehow fallen behind in the combat with Fortnite, PUBG, and Apex Legends. There has been chaos for years.
- The new game, “Planetside Arena,” seems to be making no big waves. Layoffs have also occurred here.
- And the project regarding the “Marvel MMORPG” has apparently also failed and led to the layoffs.
Fans of MMOs and MMORPGs should keep their fingers crossed for Daybreak that strong games are created again in the coming years.
Another company, Crystal Dynamics, is now developing with Marvel’s Avengers a new game that is set to be released in May 2020.
The cover image is from ArtStation – created by Ronald Stevens.
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