just a slight recap for everyone's sake

[VolteVaris]

.

[RPGpro]

It wasn't a client-sided bug but yes very close, people randomly because unable to log into the servers (it was an always-online game so this prevented playing), a handful of people were able to get EA support to fix the issue BUT it wiped all their progress.
The issue wasn't "infectious" as such.

It was reported that the issue was in the underlying game engine and as such couldn't be fixed without completely re-making the game more-or-less from scratch.

They decided to instead just abandon the game and shut down the servers, anyone that purchased it from EA directly automatically got a bunch of free games (EACH of which was similar value to darkspore)
Those that purchased through other channels, i.e. directly through steam were offered a similar deal but had to apply for it, the window for applying was rather short, many people didn't hear about it till too late.

Overall it was a total screw up by the developers, but the fallout was handled (relatively) well by the publishers...

[VolteVaris]

Originally posted by RPGpro:

It wasn't a client-sided bug but yes very close, people randomly because unable to log into the servers (it was an always-online game so this prevented playing), a handful of people were able to get EA support to fix the issue BUT it wiped all their progress.
The issue wasn't "infectious" as such.

It was reported that the issue was in the underlying game engine and as such couldn't be fixed without completely re-making the game more-or-less from scratch.

They decided to instead just abandon the game and shut down the servers, anyone that purchased it from EA directly automatically got a bunch of free games (EACH of which was similar value to darkspore)
Those that purchased through other channels, i.e. directly through steam were offered a similar deal but had to apply for it, the window for applying was rather short, many people didn't hear about it till too late.

Overall it was a total screw up by the developers, but the fallout was handled (relatively) well by the publishers...

It's a shame really because it was a surprisingly good and competent RPG game from somebody who's known for The Sims.

[Gekko]

Originally posted by RPGpro:

It wasn't a client-sided bug but yes very close, people randomly because unable to log into the servers (it was an always-online game so this prevented playing), a handful of people were able to get EA support to fix the issue BUT it wiped all their progress.
The issue wasn't "infectious" as such.

It was reported that the issue was in the underlying game engine and as such couldn't be fixed without completely re-making the game more-or-less from scratch.

They decided to instead just abandon the game and shut down the servers, anyone that purchased it from EA directly automatically got a bunch of free games (EACH of which was similar value to darkspore)
Those that purchased through other channels, i.e. directly through steam were offered a similar deal but had to apply for it, the window for applying was rather short, many people didn't hear about it till too late.

Overall it was a total screw up by the developers, but the fallout was handled (relatively) well by the publishers...

wooooow!!!
i never read something like this before.
never head a single word about this either!!
seems like not many people know this story lol

[VolteVaris]

Originally posted by Gekko:

Yeah, you really have to go digging around on EA's forums and I don't even know if Darkspore's are still active.
For once it wasn't really anybody's fault except for developmental oversight; and that's sad, because it was a fun game.

Shame, I miss playing it.

[Vrokar]

This one killed me. Turned it off one day, moved cross country. and the game was gone by the time I had setup in my new place. Loved this one... played for hours!

[MayTi]

I did buy 2 copies, played couple hours with my brother and loved it. Then didn't have any time for gaming for years. Whenever I was back, game was dead + deleted from steam store. Still looking for a game like Darkspore...

[Os Três Reinos]

2 games i liked alot and were shutdown before its time. Darkspore(EA) & DungeonRunners(NCSoft) were games shutdown before there time. Its like when Owen Hart crashed down and hit the turnbuckle in WWF (not WWE) he was lost to us so early. I dont understand why games like this cant be revived by another company. Like NCSoft & EA are still active - and have the powers and staff to re-open the doors to something new like these games or just re-open the doors to these games. Both companies just stick with their bread makers and everything new they make ends up being shutdown within a year.

[VolteVaris]

Originally posted by The 3 Kingdoms:

re-open the doors to these games. Both companies just stick with their bread makers and everything new they make ends up being shutdown within a year.

Again, no. They couldn't re-open the doors to the game. They'd have to remake it entirely from scratch due to the aforementioned issue.

It's not on EA for this one.

[MayTi]

Darkspore deserves even an entire remake. It had uniqe systems in the genre which were awesome. After so many years Im looking Diablo4 videos & it not looks charming at all...

[VolteVaris]

Originally posted by MayTi:

Darkspore deserves even an entire remake. It had uniqe systems in the genre which were awesome. After so many years Im looking Diablo4 videos & it not looks charming at all...

It was a surprisingly well made and competent RPG from somebody who typically does SIMS games.

Hell, even just a new spore game with a new engine would be nice.

[After the End]

And I honestly thought that they just closed the game because it didn't make much revenue (and also there's an urban legend saying that EA did that because of DAVO's Dark Injection mod). At least now, I know the truth.

[Conundrum]

Originally posted by RPGpro:

Those that purchased through other channels, i.e. directly through steam were offered a similar deal but had to apply for it, the window for applying was rather short, many people didn't hear about it till too late.

I didn't hear about this until today, kinda peeves me.