The Realm Online Shuts Down And Has Been Sold Off To An Unknown Studio
The fate of The Realm Online takes a confusing turn after player-run Realm Worlds shut down its version of the game last week due to financial issues. The studio reportedly wasn’t making enough money to support the game and continue paying licensing fees to the game’s original developer, Norseman Games, who also wasn’t willing to talk about possibly selling the IP.
Shortly after the shutdown announcement, Norseman announced that it will be keeping one of the classic MMORPG’s legacy servers online and will also be allowing account transfers. The studio, however, later announced that its sold the entire franchise to an undisclosed new company with no mention of Realm Worlds’ army of volunteers.
That company has turned out to be a relatively unknown digital assets and gaming solutions provider called Virtual World Holdings LLC. The company revealed its existence through a hastily erected website with a generic layout, unrelated articles, and filler text. The website, however, lacks and substantial information on the company aside from a vague press release announcing its acquisition of The Realm Online and a partnership with Digital Alchemy Studios, another unfamiliar name in the gaming industry.
Here's the full press release:
Virtual World Holdings, LLC, a leading provider of digital assets and gaming solutions, is thrilled to announce its recent acquisition of “The Realm Online,” a revered Online Roleplaying Game (RPG) with a rich legacy spanning 27 years. This landmark acquisition represents an exciting opportunity for the preservation and revitalization of a beloved gaming experience. Moreover, Virtual World Holdings is pleased to unveil its strategic partnership with Digital Alchemy Studios, an innovative new game studio formed by a team of veteran developers.
“The Realm Online” has captivated a passionate community of dedicated players who have remained loyal to the game throughout its illustrious history. Recognizing the significance of this community and their unwavering support, Virtual World Holdings is committed to honoring their enthusiasm and aspirations for the game’s future. By partnering with Digital Alchemy, Virtual World Holdings ensures that ‘The Realm Online’ will receive the attention and improvements it deserves.
As part of this landmark acquisition, Virtual World Holdings and Digital Alchemy Studios are committed to fostering an open and transparent relationship with the community. Regular updates and communication channels will be established to ensure that player feedback is not only heard but also actively integrated into the development process. This collaborative approach will empower the community to actively shape the future of “The Realm Online” and be a part of its continued success.
Virtual World Holdings invites both existing and new players to embark on this thrilling journey as “The Realm Online” enters an exciting new phase of growth and innovation. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements, where Digital Alchemy will unveil the exciting plans and initiatives that await within The Realm Online.
Norseman Games has not confirmed these developments on its Facebook page, and the game's official site has been replaced with a graphic wishing everyone a Happy Fourth of July and promising to be back on July 5th.
The lack of transparency from Virtual World Holdings LLC raises concerns about their intentions for The Realm Online, how they plan to generate sustainable revenue, and succeed where Realm Worlds’ dedicated volunteers couldn’t. Meanwhile, the game’s future remains unclear.
