Microsoft cancelling unique space battle game Galactic Reign in three days; servers offline by January

If in that location is one affair nosotros don't like nearly Microsoft information technology'south when they put an end to skilful ideas that seemingly didn't get a off-white gamble.

Such is the case with Galactic Reign, the distinctive space-battle and strategy game that co-launched on Windows Phone and Windows 8 just a few months ago. The game allowed people to play online against other Xbox users and to continue the game on their phone or tablet, seamlessly. The game'south real unique characteristic was the custom rendering of space battles, giving users a new way to capeesh war.

At present in their back up forums, Microsoft has announced that the game volition no longer be available after Baronial 15th, which is in simply iii days. The game's online servers which ability the system, will exist taken offline Dec 31st.

Color united states crushed.

The game, which costs $4.99 on Windows Telephone and Windows 8 (though users only needed to purchase it in one case for cross-platform play), volition evidently not be refunded unless you lot put upward a fight with customer service.

But why?

Microsoft only gave the tersest not-reply to the question 'Why?' by stating:

"We continually explore new games and entertainment concepts. Galactic Reign was a great cloud-based video rendering game exploration that nosotros are going to bring to a close."

In that location are either ii explanations for the alter: the business model simply did non piece of work out (and not plenty people were playing to justify the costs) or the game itself was a test-bed for newer engineering science (that you paid to be a part of). While the second answer probably has some truth in it, we suspect that it was just not cost-efficient to run those servers with then few players.

In fact, as much as we love the game, nosotros found ourselves often forgetting nosotros had ongoing battles with other opponents. The game is turn-based, pregnant games could go on for some time, particularly if someone didn't play their turn.

Even worse was Microsoft's answer to the question volition in that location be whatever future Galactic Reign games released? The respond is no, meaning this is the end of this unique experience.

We understand Microsoft has a business concern to run, but nosotros can't help merely be upset at such a cancellation. The game has massive potential and had it gone to iOS and Android forth with some actual promotion, could have potentially taken off bringing much needed attention to the mobile Xbox universe. The game has a high four.5 Star rating in the Shop from 366 reviews, but that number of reviews is quite low for an Xbox Alive title.

Yous can read our detailed review of Galactic Reign hither and if you need to re-download it earlier information technology goes, you can pick it up here in the Store.

Source: Xbox Forums; Thanks, ActiveNick, for the tip

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