NCsoft closes Paragon Studios, City of Heroes to shut down this year

Paragon Studios has announced its closure, with all development on City of Heroes ceasing immediately.

“In a realignment of company focus and publishing support, NCsoft has made the decision to close Paragon Studios,” explained Paragon community manager Andy Belford. “Effective immediately, all development on City of Heroes will cease and we will begin preparations to sunset the world’s first, and best, Super Hero MMORPG before the end of the year.”

All recurring subscription billing and Paragon Market purchasing will be discontinued effective immediately. A detailed timeline for the closure of services and what you can expect in-game will be released in the coming weeks.

“The team here at Paragon deserves special praise for all that we have accomplished over the last 5+ years,” continued Belford. “These developers are some of the most creative and talented people in the gaming industry. By now, we’ve all been given this news internally, but to anyone who may be reading this message after the fact; know that your hard work and dedication has not gone unappreciated or unnoticed. To any potential studios looking to grow your team; hire these people. You won’t regret it.”

And to the City of Heroes community, Belford added: “Thank you. Thank you for your years of support. You’ve been with us every step of the way, sharing in our challenges, encouraging us to make City of Heroes better, more than everyone else thought it could be. We couldn’t have come this far without you. I implore you all, focus on the good things of CoH and Paragon Studios. Don’t dwell on the “how” or the “why”, but rather join us in celebrating the legacy of an amazing partnership between the players and the development team.

“Thank you, and I’ll see you in the skies, one last time.”