Multiplayer servers hosted by Gamespy for a number of popular older games went down last week, leading to outcries from loyal fan communities. When Sniper Elite was affected, developer Rebellion released an open statement placing the blame squarely at the feet of new Gamespy owners Glu, citing untenable rate increases and a lack of consultation.
Impact on the Gaming Community
The sudden shutdown of these multiplayer servers has had a significant impact on the gaming community. Many of these older games, such as Sniper Elite, have maintained a dedicated player base over the years. These communities often rely on multiplayer servers to keep the games alive and engaging. The abrupt discontinuation of these services has left many players feeling abandoned and frustrated. For some, these games are more than just a pastime; they are a way to connect with friends and relive nostalgic moments.
The outcry from the fan communities was immediate and vocal. Forums and social media platforms were flooded with complaints and calls for action. Players expressed their disappointment and demanded explanations from both Gamespy and the game developers. The situation highlighted the dependency of these older games on third-party services for their multiplayer functionalities.
Rebellion’s Response and Glu’s Counterstatement
When Sniper Elite was affected, developer Rebellion was quick to respond. They released an open statement placing the blame squarely at the feet of new Gamespy owners, Glu. Rebellion cited untenable rate increases and a lack of consultation as the primary reasons for the server shutdowns. According to Rebellion, the new rates imposed by Glu were unsustainable, making it impossible for them to continue offering multiplayer services for Sniper Elite.
Glu has since contacted us with a response, maintaining that some publishers haven’t paid for its service in “as much as four years” and that “GameSpy Technologies has continued to provide months, and in some cases years, of service support for free.” In every case, “the applicable publisher was well aware that they had not made the required payments under their agreements with GameSpy Technologies.” Glu also says there were no rate increases, as “pricing is set in our Agreements with Publishers and cannot be materially increased by GameSpy unilaterally.”
This back-and-forth between Rebellion and Glu has added another layer of complexity to the issue. While Rebellion claims that the new rates were the problem, Glu insists that the publishers’ failure to pay for the services was the real issue. This discrepancy has left players caught in the middle, unsure of who to believe.
Broader Implications for the Industry
The shutdown of Gamespy’s multiplayer servers raises broader questions about the sustainability of online services for older games. As games age, maintaining their online components can become increasingly challenging and costly. Developers and publishers must weigh the costs of keeping these services running against the benefits to their player base. In some cases, the financial burden may simply be too great, leading to difficult decisions like the one faced by Rebellion.
Moreover, this situation underscores the importance of clear communication and transparency between service providers, developers, and players. The lack of consultation and sudden nature of the shutdowns caught many off guard, exacerbating the frustration felt by the gaming community. Moving forward, it is crucial for all parties involved to work together to find solutions that balance financial realities with the needs and expectations of players.
The recent shutdown of Gamespy’s multiplayer servers has had a significant impact on the gaming community, particularly for fans of older games like Sniper Elite. The conflicting statements from Rebellion and Glu have added to the confusion and frustration felt by players. This situation highlights the challenges of maintaining online services for aging games and the need for better communication and collaboration within the industry. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for all stakeholders to find ways to support and sustain the vibrant communities that form around these beloved games.
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