FUNCOM STOPS XBOX DEVELOPMENT
August 7, 2001

Funcom has stopped development for the Xbox in favor of a stronger focus on online games. This follows on the heels of the success of Anarchy Online for the PC. Additionally, the company has announced plans to close its Dublin office, which is where its console development took place. The company also plans to develop games for mobile phones.

"Moving out of console development was a strategic decision that makes Funcom more focused as a company," says Funcom president Andre Backen. "Funcom has worked extremely hard to establish itself in the massively multi-player online market, and this is where we have our strength."

This decision likely comes in light of Microsoft not having much in the way of online support at launch. Of course, when the Xbox does begin strong online support next year, Funcom's story may change.