In the official forum, the development team of the online RPG Shroud of the Avatar posted an update on the company’s status. Due to the current revenue situation, they will have to lay off employees.
This does not look good
Declining revenues lead to layoffs. In the official forum, it is stated that with the release of Shroud of the Avatar and the fulfillment of almost all Kickstarter promises, the number of team members will be adjusted to the current revenue situation. This will result in layoffs.
The telethons, through which the team raises money from fans every month, have not been performing particularly well lately, and player numbers are in free fall according to Steamcharts. Revenues are falling, which has now been confirmed by the layoffs due to the financial situation.
Only optimization work left. Previously, it was said that regular new content would be released, but the team is now shifting focus. Less emphasis will be placed on new content, but there will be increased optimization work. The team aims to bring the MMORPG, which had a poor launch, to a better state.
Curious situations. Shroud of the Avatar was officially released on March 27. However, they have been waiting in vain for a marketing campaign until today. It was said that this campaign would start once Episode 1 of the game was “completed” to let more players experience an optimized product. Now it is reported that there have been layoffs, including because the game was released and some employees are therefore no longer needed. However, there is still no marketing campaign. Players are wondering: Is Episode 1 now completed? If not, why were there layoffs? If so, where is the marketing campaign?
Fans are to pay for Episode 2 ideas
Episode 2 is being prepared in a strange way. Preparations for Episode 2 of the MMORPG are currently underway. It was mentioned that this episode must be funded again through a Kickstarter campaign, as the funds raised so far only suffice for the development of Episode 1. In a rather curious manner, initial work on Episode 2 is taking place:
Through a stretch goal store, fans will soon be able to vote with money on which features they want to see in Episode 2. By purchasing rare in-game items for Shroud of the Avatar, they cast their votes. More information on this will be provided soon.
The financial situation surrounding Shroud of the Avatar looks anything but rosy. Layoffs, declining player numbers, poor revenues from the telethons, and now the request to fans to vote with money for ideas for Episode 2… The future of SotA seems rather bleak.
