Fury Developer Auran Cuts Staff Down to Single Digits

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Independent Australian studio Auran, which most recently released the PvP-only MMO Fury, has been in the news a great deal over the past week. Reports have indicated that the company has suffered massive layoffs, or even that the entire studio was shutting down.

Tonight, multiple sources claimed Auran has been liquidated and all staff let go. CEO Tony Hilliam then issued a statement confirming the news and noting that a small team has been set up to maintain Fury as well as the company's Trainz Railroad Simulator. "Despite earlier reports, staff will be paid for all their work to date, their annual leave entitlements, redundancy payments and long service leave," he promised.

On Tuesday, Auran announced Fury would move to a free play system, with an optional $9.95 per month subscription for premium services. Hilliam said at the time, "We will then have some bad news to follow (unless a miracle occurs), but there will be a very positive end to the week."

According to Shacknews' sources, some half-dozen staff members were allowed to retain their jobs--no doubt these employees will comprise the core team tasked with keeping Fury and Trainz up to date.

"I believe that once people hear about F:AotC and the new Free to Play business model, we'll start building up the player numbers and revenues that will make the game successful," added Hilliam. "I expect the naysayers will have different thoughts, but they haven't played the new build...yet.

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From The Chatty
  • reply
    December 13, 2007 1:50 AM

    That is sad, oh how I miss the days of Dark Reign. This I guess is what happens when people try to cash in on the MMO revolution.

    • reply
      December 13, 2007 2:34 AM

      I liked Dark Reign much more than Starcraft when they both were new games. I think I still have the disk around too.

      • reply
        December 13, 2007 9:09 AM

        You're definitely not the only one. While TA and SC got all the accolades, DR was the RTS that genuinely offered up sincere innovations that worked. Fantastic game. RIP Auran.

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      December 13, 2007 3:28 PM

      Dark Reign was one of the few RTS games I got into...Of course beta-testing it helped...Then they ignored us when testing DR2....(Just like I-82, after listening to us on I-76....Strangely, they ignored us on Heavy Gear 1, and listened on HG2)....

    • reply
      December 13, 2007 6:24 PM

      Dark Reign lives!

      http://www.darkreign.us/

      emulated multiplayer server with a small but dedicated community. best multiplayer RTS EVER.

      • reply
        December 13, 2007 7:56 PM

        Bah! I don't need that, I still have my original disc and manual. :D :D

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