Square Enix has closed down Core Online, the publisher’s venture into playable HD games via web browsers.
Square Enix has described Core Online as an experiment to test consumer demand and business models for HD games played via browsers. The company has been satisfied with progress on the platform technology but due to limited consumer interest decided to discontinue the service, according to publisher comments online.
“Due to limited commercial take-up of this initiative it’s no longer something we will be supporting and Core Online will be closing on Friday 29 November 2013,” said Square Enix in a statement. “Anyone who has bought a game will be fully refunded and anyone who has an unexpired subscription on 29 November 2013 will be refunded for their most recent subscription payment. Users whose subscription periods have expired before 29 November 2013 will not be entitled to a refund.”
Core Online hosted several Hitman titles and other Square Enix games like Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, as well as the Gameglobe title Heroes & Generals. The service allowed players to sign-up and play episodic versions of games with advertising included free-of-charge. Advertising-free unlimited access was available for a US$2.99 monthly subscription.
