NCsoft to shave some Europeans?

In a move that echos NCsoft's 21-person lay off earlier this year in their Austin, Texas office, NCsoft Europe may be shedding 50 positions as well. The reason for the job cuts is predicted along with the abrupt halt on the untitled MMO being developed in Europe. Apparently a year ago the European office expanded in expectation of the new game, so with the elimination of that production, the people are about to be out too.

The bomb shell in the rumor at GameIndustrybiz is that Tabula Rasa will also be discontinued at some point in the coming months. Ouch.

"The game, led by Richard Garriott enjoyed a high profile launch earlier this year, but has failed to capture the imagination of the gaming public, and one source told GamesIndustry.biz a few months ago that the company "would kill for 300,000 subscribers right now," when comparisons were made with CCP's Eve Online."

Earlier this year NCsoft was using some techniques (like cutting 21 jobs in Austin) to weather the storm, but apparently a recent 42% decrease in net income is changing their tune. So much for DNA going into space, I hope they can figure this mess out and keep their jobs and games rolling. Read the rest of the story at GamesIndustry.biz.