Shadowbane Lives On

eToyChest is reporting that many of the developers are Wolfpack Studios, closed since May 15th, have banded together to keep Shadowbane running for the players. Now known as 'Stray Bullet Studios', they'll be running the game for Ubisoft while they work on a new MMO for the 'next generation'. Via his Zen of Design blog, it appears Damion Schubert will not be among the Shadowbane handlers.

Re:What is the situation?

[cubicledrone]

1)Game is written by independent studio Wolfpack
2)Ubi agrees to publish (2nd publisher)


2.1) Publisher obligates developer to unrealistic schedule.
2.2) Developer complains it will affect quality
2.3) Developer complaint goes to voice mail during prolonged phone call about golf

3)Game doesn't do as well as hoped
4)Ubi buys out Wolfpack
5)Time passes

5.1) Some new management hire exclaims "we still own this??"
5.2) Nobody answers since entire management team is at golf tournament

6)Ubi dumps the monthly fee making it a free game
7)Ubi fires all of Wolfpack

7.1) Management celebrates with weekend golf trip.
7.2) Developers complain to voice mail

8)Wolfpack reforms as a 3rd party and now runs SB for Ubi, but still free.

8.1) Management got what they wanted out of their original "investment": total control, total ownership and perpetual free labor

Cue Slashdot apologists for the "capitalist" status quo.

Re:What is the situation?

[david.given]

Please suggest a better system than capitalism. Specifics, please.

Certainly; but before I can design your product, you're going to have to tell me your project requirements.