Contract with Hasbro follows surprise investment round
Cambridge-based UK studio Jagex has scored rights to develop an MMO based on the Transformers brand.
Jagex, one of the UK’s largest independent developers, will launch the game across international online markets in 2012.
The project was secured after agreement was signed with Transformers brand owner Hasbro.
“Transformers is one of the most iconic brands in the world and we are delighted to team up with Hasbro in order to bring our shared vision to reality,” said Jagex CEO Mark Gerhard.
“There is a huge appetite for an online Transformers game and we will utilize every bit of our development and publishing expertise to deliver a dynamic and action-packed game.”
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Prior to the deal, Jagex had been working on Stellar Dawn, the group's second attempt to replicate the success of debut breakthrough MMO Runescape.
Its first attempt, called Mechscape, was cancelled, though some of the project’s art and code was said to be carried over to Stellar Dawn, which Develop has been told is still in full production.
Jagex recently announced a surprise investment round to fund future projects. The developer has accepted new funds from three VC groups; Insight Venture Partners, Spectrum Equity Investors and The Raine Group.
So happy for you guys. I know it will be a big success!
Maybe Jagex will quit dragging their feet. Andrew Gower left RuneScape in 2007 to head the project of MechScape, then StellarDawn.. three times a charm I say. Let's give em hell at WoW by making #1 again! We've got the worlds largest F2P MMORPG. Now to hit #1 for P2P MMORPG as well!
Can't wait for some awesome 100 poly transformer models and booming MIDI soundtrack!
Just don't let paul g anywhere near it!
We're waiting YEARS to see Jagex make a futuristic RPG. Let's pray 2012 is the year this all finally ends. Was promised 2010 MechScape, 2011 StellarDawn, now 2012 Transformers.
Maybe this is the project that Jagex canned with midland developer Monumental?
A game about evil robots *made by* evil robots!
What could go wrong?
As long as quality control is adhered to....
Could be great....as long as they use the original cartoon and not the film as inspiration.... Bring back Energon Cubes!
The problem with liscenced games like this is that the IP owners will have very tight control over what the developers get up to. But hopefully the brand will be a good marketing point, who doesnt want to play a transformers mmo by Jagex!?
