D'Empire en pire

Artifact Entertainment, connu pour avoir développé Horizons: Empire of Istaria est en dépôt de bilan. Rien de bien étonnant quand on voit la qualité plus que médiocre de ce MMORPG qui pourtant lorsqu'il avait été annoncé il y a 4 ans laissait présager le mieux - la possibilité de jouer un Dragon, une lore très riche, une intéraction totale entre le ciel, le sol et les souterrains.

Dans la réalité, le titre est sorti extrêmement buggé, était fastidieux et bien qu'il avait des avantages, ce n'était pas assez pour se démarquer dans la jungle impitoyable des MMO.

Artifact s'est donc fait racheter par la société Tulga Games, inconnue au bataillon. On notera comment leur site sent bon la précipitation. La transaction doit encore être autorisé par un tribunal étant donné le statut de mise en faillite d'Artifact.

TULGA GAMES LLC REACHES AN AGREEMENT TO PURCHASE THE ASSETS OF ARTIFACT ENTERTAINMENT

September 24, 2004 MESA, Ariz. – Artifact Entertainment, developers of the award-winning massively multiplayer online role-playing game “Horizons”, announced today that it has reached an agreement, subject to court approval, with Tulga Games, LLC., in which Tulga Games has agreed to purchase the assets of Artifact Entertainment.

Artifact Entertainment's CEO and Creative Director, David Bowman, said, “Tulga Games has made a very exciting offer to purchase the assets of Artifact Entertainment. This offer has been agreed to by our secured creditors and, pending approval of the court, or a superior offer, we will accept Tulga's offer.”

Tulga Games' Managing Member, Chris Tulumello, said, “The two companies have reached agreement, pending approvals.” Continued Mr. Tulumello, “Tulga Games is very committed to Horizons the game and Horizons the brand. When this sale is approved, I will make certain there is team continuity through the entire process. The Artifact Entertainment team produced an excellent product, and knows it best.” Regarding the future of Horizons, Mr. Tulumello said, “Tulga Games believes in the longevity and endurance of Horizons: The Empire of Istaria. This is tremendous asset, with great long-term player potential. Everyone involved wants to see Horizons continue to grow in the coming years and feels, quite simply, that it is wonderful game. Tulga Games, as a company, and I personally, are very proud to be associated with Horizons: Empire of Istaria.”

About Artifact Entertainment

Artifact Entertainment, founded in November 1999, is a privately held software development company currently focused on the subscription-based massively multiplayer online game, “Horizons”. Its mission is to provide subscription-based quality online entertainment experiences using superior technology, proven design methods, broad market appeal, customer satisfaction and the highest quality staff. To find out more about Artifact Entertainment, visit www.artifact-entertainment.com.

About Tulga Games, LLC

Tulga Games LLC is a privately held game publisher headquartered in a suburb of Phoenix, Arizona. Tulga Games LLC has a mission of providing individuals and families with quality digital entertainment experiences. www.tulgagames.com

About “Horizons”

Developed by Artifact Entertainment and originally published by Atari, the MMPORPG Horizons: Empire of Istaria launched in December 2003 and currently boasts an avid following of tens-of-thousands of players worldwide. The ability to dynamically add content coupled with a first-rate crafting system has allowed “Horizons'” fans to experience episodic content and the ultimate in massive battles. Players are also able to take on 10 fantasy roles ranging from dragon and elf to fiend and half-giant while meeting friends that circle the globe. For more information on “Horizons”, visit www.istaria.com.