UPDATE: Sony Closure Statement, Cans The Agency

As you know by now, we reported on the layoffs and closure from Sony Online Entertainment. We contacted them and Taina Rodriguez from SOE got back to us with this official statement:

“As part of a strategic decision to reduce costs and streamline its global workforce, SOE announced today that it will eliminate 205 positions and close its Denver, Seattle and Tucson studios.  As part of this restructuring, SOE is discontinuing production of The Agency so it can focus development resources on delivering two new MMOs based on its renowned PlanetSide and EverQuest properties, while also maintaining its current portfolio of online games.  All possible steps are being taken to ensure team members affected by the transition are treated with appropriate concern. 

The Agency would be playable both in first and third person view

This strategic decision will have no impact on SOE’s current portfolio of live games; additionally SOE will transition development efforts for the Denver and Tucson studios’ suite of products to its San Diego headquarters.  This strategic alignment of development resources better positions SOE to remain a global leader in online gaming and deliver on its promise of creating entertaining games for players of all ages, and servicing the 20 million players that visited SOE servers in just the past year.”

The Agency revolved around stealth and espionage and these guys are doing it wrong.

The Agency was a stealth shooter MMO, revolving on spies taking on missions for several factions and building up fame. It sure looked promising enough, but alas. Also, THQ has now also reported to have slimmed down the workforce. What is it with everyone getting fired?

Our sympathies go out to SOE and anyone affected in these trying times and we hope to hear from developers gaining employment in renewed situations.

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Daav Valentaten, NoobFeed. (@Daavpuke)