Some news about Wizardry 8

[Scronan]

Hiya Folks,

Just got this from the Wiz 8 forums, check it out. It doesn't really say much, but its better than nothing!

Scronan

(from Linda Currie)

Lcurrie (39 posts)
Jul-18-01, 08:06 AM (Pacific)
"Was away but back around now..."

Just thought I'd drop in to say we are still here.
I've been away for the last few weeks on vacation and in reviewing the threads, it looks like there's been some frustration floating around. After hitting a bunch of threads about about our demise, etc... I have to admit I've stopped reading them since we have no official information to release at this time.

As far as our website goes, we do not currently have a webmaster which is why you're not seeing updates (that and the fact that we have no updates on the release) but when we have news, we will certainly post about it.

That's it for now...

Linda

[Jafin]

Well, it's something at least... No Webmaster huh? Well, I guess it was neglect of the website primarily, but still no release date...

-Jafin

[skywalker]

Unfortunately, this was posted at the same forum Scronan mentioned today, though I have not seen the actual press release:


"Sirtech Canada Announces Layoffs

Ottawa, Ontario July 20. On July 19, Sirtech Canada announced layoffs affecting its Jagged Alliance and Wizardry development teams. Development work on both Jagged Alliance 3 and Wizardry 9 has halted, effective immediately.

Reasons cited for the layoffs included difficulties in obtaining timely funding for Jagged Alliance 3 and Wizardry 9, as well as failure to receive royalties due from the European publishers of Jagged Alliance 2 and Jagged Alliance 2: Unfinished Business.

Sirtech Canada is still seeking funding for Wizardry 9 and Jagged Alliance 3. Obtaining funding within the next four to eight weeks is crucial if work on these projects is to go forward.

Wizardry 8 is complete, and measures are being taken to ensure that it is released to market. It is expected that it will be released by the end of the year and a playable demo will be available before the game hits store shelves. Further announcements will be made with regard to these dates. Wizardry 8 has already undergone an extensive beta-testing process. However, Sirtech Canada has made arrangements with key staff to produce a patch if one proves necessary. Sadly, this may be the last Wizardry to be produced by Sirtech Canada should future funding be unobtainable.

International versions of Wizardry 8 are unaffected by this announcement. Other international versions are being produced, and Sirtech Canada is providing all necessary localization materials to its licensees. Materials are being retained to provide to any new licensees interested in localizing a Sirtech product.

Everyone at Sirtech Canada would like to express our gratitude to all the faithful fans who supported us throughout the years. You have our heartfelt thanks for making Sirtech a legendary name in the gaming industry.

Concerned fans wishing to help out can demonstrate their support by pre-ordering Wizardry 8 at a major retailer such as Electronics Boutique."

(Originally posted by Pipeline_VN)

I hope it is not this dire.

Mark

[Jafin]

OH NO!!!!!!!!! This sounds really bad!!! I hope it's not as bad as it sounds, I was looking forward to Wizardry 8 and all of the successive Wizardry's that I thought were going to come out!!! Bummer!!!!!!

-Jafin

[skywalker]

I finally found the origin of that post. Here it is if you're interested:

http://gamespot.com/gamespot/stories...793269,00.html


Mark

[Balgin]

Damn their eyes, they don't need a Wizardry 9 team yet!!!!!!! (Oh sorry, was thinking of somebody else), but seriously though, why start work on the next game when they don't know how well this one'll do. If Wizardry 8 sells realy well (meaning that all of us waiting fans (some, like me, snared by Wizards and Warriors) rush out and buy it) then they shouldn't have to start working on the next game for a few months (that's a pretty big IF). If it goes badly (maybe they should delay the strategy guide release hmm?)then they should start work on the next release, consolidate their loses and learn from their mistake. This sounds like they don't reckon it'll go down well but I know that I'd buy a copy and a few friends of mine (die hard MM6&MM7 but not the blatantly unfinished MM8 fans) will buy copies too (or I'll buy them for them and they can owe me). Let's just wait and be patient.....For Now...Maybe..Maybe not.

------------------
Balgin, the Dwarf

[Jafin]

But when Baldur's Gate was released, they were already working on Baldur's Gate 2 and I'm pretty sure that Black Isle knew that BG1 was gonna be a big hit. It could be that Sir-Tech's original plans were to milk Wizardry as much as it could in a short time to really make a lot of money. I'm just concerned that Sir-Tech may not even get the chance to release Wizardry 9 because of financial problems and that Wizardry 8 could be the end of a legend, one that I would rather see continue on for many years. It would be a sad way to end, because of financial struggles within the developer's company rather than through the final end of the saga.

I'll be sure to buy Wizardry 8, and copies for any friends who may want it, if it could possibly help the series to survive.

-Jafin