Jagex Lays Off 13 Transformers Universe Staffers

“Transformers Universe” made a splashy showing at E3 2011, with Jagex promising a browser-based MMO that would have players taking command of everyone’s favorite Robots in Disguise. Since then, things have been pretty quiet. Maybe too quiet.

News on the game finally broke this week, and it’s not good. Jagex confirmed a report by Eurogamer that it had laid off 13 people working on the game. A change from in-house technology to existing software was cited as the reason.

Does this mean the game is fated to become vaporware? Not according to the company, which stated that “the vast majority of the ‘Transformers’ studio will be unaffected by this move.

Still, anyone looking forward to the game (like yours truly) has some legitimate cause for concern. Titles that show little to no public progress for months at a time are often the same ones that mysteriously disappear, quietly canceled by their makers. That’s especially true for MMOs, which have a long and difficult journey from conception to release even under ideal circumstances.

Jagex is promising more details “shortly” on the game’s official website. Until then, we can only wish the affected developers good luck in finding new jobs while hoping this isn’t a sign of more bad news to come for a game with a promising hook and built-in fan base.