While innovative in its ways, MMO Secret World didn't do particularly well in its opening year. However, after announcing the end of its subscription model - does anyone but WoW use that any more? - it's had an upsurge in players over the Christmas period, leading to the developer announcing that it needed to majorly restructure its studio. While you might think expansion with new players joining up, it's actually considering layoffs.
: "Funcom has initiated a process of restructuring the company around its core products and technology. The restructuring of the company will involve cost reductions through the closure and the consolidation of offices with the goal of creating a stronger unified organisation that can take full advantage of the exciting opportunities that face the games industry as it steps into 2013 and beyond."
It did take note of the new players joining the game, with many spending far more time within the game world itself. Apparently along with a 30 per cent boost in players, there's been a 400 per cent increase in player activity.
"We are building the basis of a very sustainable business" said Funcom CEO Ole Schreiner. "With a restructured organisation, we will have a joint team of the best-of-the-best working together to expand our existing online worlds and to create new, exciting and memorable online experiences."
Funcom also announced that it would in the future look to focus more on smaller scale MMO titles, similar to the upcoming Lego Minifigures.
What do you think of this guys? Were you affected by the switch from subscription to buy-to-play?
