2011 managed to claim one more victim in December with Multiverse, the developer that originally set out to create the first MMOG based on Joss Whedon’s Firefly and Buffy the Vampire Slayer series.

Work on Firefly Online was halted in 2008 to allow work on the Buffy MMOG to commence. Unfortunately, neither game ever came to fruition. According to a post to the company’s official website, Multiverse shut down in December citing a lack of funding. As always our best wishes go out to those affected.

On a brighter note, fans that are still clinging to hope for a Firefly MMOG to actually see the light of day may still get their chance thanks to developer DarkCryo Entertainment, who is currently working to develop Firefly Universe Online. The game’s official website is currently down for work, but you can follow their progress on the Firefly Universe Online Facebook page.

Sources:

Multiverse website

Firefly Universe Online Facebook Page

Effective December 7, 2011 Multiverse has Ceased Operations

Founded in July 2004, Multiverse created a new technology solution, the Multiverse Platform, to change the economics of creating high-quality online games and virtual worlds. With the Multiverse Platform, development teams would be able to build and launch their projects more quickly and for less money than ever before. Multiverse released the first version of its platform to developers in 2006.

In 2008, Multiverse extended its platform to support the creation of web-based games and virtual worlds. As a proof of concept, the company released Battle, Team Battle, and Battle: Realms at War on Facebook and other Flash game portals. Multiverse also created promotional games for McDonalds and CocaCola to support the release of the Avatar motion picture in December 2009.

Although thousands of developers showed interest in the Multiverse Platform, Multiverse wasn't able to achieve a profitable business model. As a result, Multiverse ceased operations in December 2011 due to lack of funding.