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'''''Mythica''''' was a never-released [[massively multiplayer online role-playing game]] (or "MMORPG") based on [[Norse mythology]]. It was under development by [[Microsoft Game Studios]] (MGS) for [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]-running [[personal computer|PCs]] until it was cancelled in early 2004. The game had been under development for over two years and had a [[video game developer|development staff]] of 40 at the time of cancellation. |
'''''Mythica''''' was a never-released [[massively multiplayer online role-playing game]] (or "MMORPG") based on [[Norse mythology]]. It was under development by [[Microsoft Game Studios]] (MGS) for [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]-running [[personal computer|PCs]] until it was cancelled in early 2004. The game had been under development for over two years and had a [[video game developer|development staff]] of 40 at the time of cancellation. |
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As with most MMORPGs, one would have needed to purchase the game software and then subscribe to the game service, paying a monthly fee. The technology and features were all ground breaking for the time. Mythica's terrain engine supported large richly populated scenic views of mountains and forests. |
As with most MMORPGs, one would have needed to purchase the game software and then subscribe to the game service, paying a monthly fee. The technology and features were all ground breaking for the time. Mythica's terrain engine supported large richly populated scenic views of mountains and forests. |
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The graphics and animation were rich and varied. The game engine supported seemless instances where parties could just step into a private story without the need for a portal or other visual curtains. |
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The combat design was centered around being a demi-god, including the ability to swat waves of enemies aside to focus on their boss. |
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==Lawsuit== |
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In December 2003, [[Microsoft]] was sued for [[trademark infringement]] and unfair competition by [[Mythic Entertainment]], the developers of the competing MMORPG ''[[Dark Age of Camelot]]''. Mythic claimed in the lawsuit that the terms "Mythic" and "Mythica" were so close as to cause consumer confusion, thus infringing on Mythic's trademark. |
In December 2003, [[Microsoft]] was sued for [[trademark infringement]] and unfair competition by [[Mythic Entertainment]], the developers of the competing MMORPG ''[[Dark Age of Camelot]]''. Mythic claimed in the lawsuit that the terms "Mythic" and "Mythica" were so close as to cause consumer confusion, thus infringing on Mythic's trademark. |
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| ⚫ | On [[May 25]], [[2004]], three months after the game was cancelled, Mythic Entertainment announced that the case was settled and that Microsoft agreed to not use the ''Mythica'' name on new online computer games and to not register it as a trademark. Also as part of the deal, Microsoft gave ''Mythica''-related trademarks and [[domain name]]s to Mythic. |
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| ⚫ | On [[February 12]], [[2004]], MGS announced the cancellation of ''Mythica''. |
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==Cancellation== |
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| ⚫ | Some commentators said at the time that the cancellation was evidence that the ([[English language]]) massively multiplayer market had become saturated, though ''[[World of Warcraft]]'', released in November 2004, subsequently became the most popular MMORPG to date with over 9 million users as of December 2007. |
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| ⚫ | On [[February 12]], [[2004]], MGS announced the cancellation of ''Mythica''. Microsoft claimed the cancellation was not due to the lawsuit, and cited the competitive MMORPG market and a desire to not "spread ourselves out over multiple MMORPG projects."[http://archive.gamespy.com/interviews/february04/mythica/] |
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| ⚫ | On [[May 25]], [[2004]], three months after the game was cancelled, Mythic Entertainment announced that the case was settled and that Microsoft agreed to not use the ''Mythica'' name on new online computer games and to not register it as a trademark. Also as part of the deal, Microsoft gave ''Mythica''-related trademarks and [[domain name]]s to Mythic. |
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At the time, Microsoft operated ''[[Asheron's Call]]'' and ''[[Asheron's Call 2]]'', and was planning to publish [[Brad McQuaid]]'s new MMORPG : [[Vanguard: Saga of Heroes]] for PC and [[True Fantasy Live Online]], an anime-esque MMOG for the Xbox console. |
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As a result of the decision, around 40 positions at MGS were cutted off, among those : executive producer [[Matt Wilson]], senior designer [[Hal Milton]] and lead designer [http://www.1up.com/do/my1Up?publicUserId=5859062 Joel Manners]. |
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| ⚫ | Some commentators said at the time that the cancellation was evidence that the ([[English language]]) massively multiplayer market had become saturated, though ''[[World of Warcraft]]'', released in November 2004, subsequently became the most popular MMORPG to date with over 9 million users as of December 2007. |
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Microsoft continued with another MMORPG, ''[[Vanguard: Saga of Heroes]]''. |
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==External links and references== |
==External links and references== |
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Revision as of 03:35, 21 January 2008
Mythica was a never-released massively multiplayer online role-playing game (or "MMORPG") based on Norse mythology. It was under development by Microsoft Game Studios (MGS) for Windows-running PCs until it was cancelled in early 2004. The game had been under development for over two years and had a development staff of 40 at the time of cancellation.
As with most MMORPGs, one would have needed to purchase the game software and then subscribe to the game service, paying a monthly fee. The technology and features were all ground breaking for the time. Mythica's terrain engine supported large richly populated scenic views of mountains and forests. The graphics and animation were rich and varied. The game engine supported seemless instances where parties could just step into a private story without the need for a portal or other visual curtains.
The combat design was centered around being a demi-god, including the ability to swat waves of enemies aside to focus on their boss.
Lawsuit
In December 2003, Microsoft was sued for trademark infringement and unfair competition by Mythic Entertainment, the developers of the competing MMORPG Dark Age of Camelot. Mythic claimed in the lawsuit that the terms "Mythic" and "Mythica" were so close as to cause consumer confusion, thus infringing on Mythic's trademark.
On May 25, 2004, three months after the game was cancelled, Mythic Entertainment announced that the case was settled and that Microsoft agreed to not use the Mythica name on new online computer games and to not register it as a trademark. Also as part of the deal, Microsoft gave Mythica-related trademarks and domain names to Mythic.
Cancellation
Microsoft had begun promoting the game; the company had hosted a party at GenCon for fans.
On February 12, 2004, MGS announced the cancellation of Mythica. Microsoft claimed the cancellation was not due to the lawsuit, and cited the competitive MMORPG market and a desire to not "spread ourselves out over multiple MMORPG projects."[1]
At the time, Microsoft operated Asheron's Call and Asheron's Call 2, and was planning to publish Brad McQuaid's new MMORPG : Vanguard: Saga of Heroes for PC and True Fantasy Live Online, an anime-esque MMOG for the Xbox console.
As a result of the decision, around 40 positions at MGS were cutted off, among those : executive producer Matt Wilson, senior designer Hal Milton and lead designer Joel Manners.
Some commentators said at the time that the cancellation was evidence that the (English language) massively multiplayer market had become saturated, though World of Warcraft, released in November 2004, subsequently became the most popular MMORPG to date with over 9 million users as of December 2007.