In a forum post at Simtropolis.com, a building-sim fansite, Cities XL developer Monte Cristo announced it's closing down

Back in January we reported that Cities XL developer Monte Cristo Games would be ending its "Planet Offer" option (the subscription-based element that made the next-gen sim-building game into an MMO, of sorts) because of low subscription numbers. Many fans actually preferred the move, because they felt that the "premium MMO aspect" of the game wasn't worth a monthly subscription anyway. Earlier this week, a spokesperson for Monte Cristo Games announced that the developer will be closing down this week, according to a forum post by "Gregory_C" on the Simtropolis.com message boards (a building-sim fansite community).

"This is with deep regrets that we officially announce today the closure of our studio," the post reads. "As such Monte Cristo will close its door this week. We leave behind us a couple regrets but also, more important, a lot of good memories." The France-based developer explained that a yet-unnamed publisher "has shown up who will pick up Cities XL’s license, and who will continue to sell the game." The poster continued to write that the publisher will likely make itself known soon, and that the Monte Cristo team is "confident that we leave Cities XL in good hands." According to the announcement, current players should be able to continue logging in and playing Cities XL without interruption, at least for the time-being. To read the complete announcement as it was posted on Simtropolis, click past the jump.

Hello everyone,

This is with deep regrets that we officially announce today the closure of our studio. As such Monte Cristo will close its door this week. We leave behind us a couple regrets but also, more important, a lot of good memories…

But then what of Cities XL’s future ?
A publisher has shown up who will pick up Cities XL’s license, and who will continue to sell the game. This company will surely make itself known soon. We are confident that we leave Cities XL in good hands.

Current players shouldn’t be worried though! The solo game will keep on working and the online login system, mandatory to launch the game, remains in place. There is no change there. The Cities XL website also remains online, although obviously the online support is now longer available and we apologize for this.

One last time all the Monte Cristo team members would like to wholeheartedly thank the Cities XL players and community members who so dedicatedly took part in the life and evolution of this wonderful project.

We do hope that Cities XL has many more great years ahead of itself!

Signing off,

- The Monte Cristo team.

[via Simtropolis.com]