Crytek followed in the footsteps of Epic Games by offering their game development engine available to anyone through an affordable subscription model last month. The move was viewed by many as an evolution in game development - make engines available to virtually anyone that wants to use them. But according to a new report from German magazine GameStar, it might have been a last-ditch effort by Crytek to stave off bankruptcy.
The report, translated and summarized by DSOGaming, claims developers simply aren't interested in the CryEngine. That's odd considering it's one of the most optimized AAA engines on the market today, but I digress.
Engine issues aside, the report also claims the studio was pushed to the limit to get Ryse: Son of Rome out in time. They had to hire extra help to meet the launch date and by all accounts, sales haven't been what Crytek had hoped for - especially considering it was a console exclusive. Furthermore, Warhammer was only a success in Russia and Crytek's G-face platform ended up being a total flop.
Crytek, on the other hand, is dismissing the rumors completely. In a statement sent to Eurogamer, a spokesperson said the information in the GameStar article is rumors which they deny.
The company goes on to say they received a lot of positive feedback during and after E3 from both gaming press and gamers. Moving forward, Crytek will continue to focus on the development and publishing of upcoming titles like Homefront: The Revolution, Hunt: Horrors of the Gilded Age, Arena of Fate and Warface as well as providing ongoing support for the CryEngine and its licensees.