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JoWood axes two studios

Arx Fatalis publisher closes both its Ebensee, Austria, branch and German studio Wings Simulations.

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JoWood Productions has announced that it will be closing two of its studios. The Austria-based developer is shutting down its shop in Ebensee and German development house Wings Simulations due to a "deficit in sales and distribution" and projects not meeting the company's criteria. The decision affects approximately 30 employees.

Projects currently in development at both houses have been canceled. Wings Simulations' most recent title, Soldner: Secret Wars, was released in June to lackluster reviews. Ironically, the news comes just as JoWood announced an expansion pack to Soldner, called Soldner: Marine Corps. The status of the expansion was unclear as of press time, as the statement only said "ambitious projects from Wings would not be realized."

JoWood is currently undergoing a corporate face-lift. A new project evaluation strategy demanding higher-quality product was incorporated last year, and Andreas Tobler, founder and CEO of JoWood, is leaving the company tomorrow. Dr. Albert Seidl has been chosen as his successor.

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