It being December 1st today ,he may already of gone,who knows,as the first news of this to reach us was posted in the FOF.

and sure enough, hop over to Stratics ,and there is the farewell thread

Alea Iacta Est


Dear Friends,

Three years and a handful of months ago, I was given the honor of joining the legendary UO team. At the time, I was only a year away from finishing my CS degree, but sometimes in life you have to take the opportunities when they arise or lose them forever. Having grown up playing Ultima, and then later UO, there just simply no way that I could say no!

Looking back over these past three years of my life, I know that I've been blessed to have worked side by side with so many great people and form so many wonderful memories. I'm very grateful to all of the Origin guys who were patient with what must have seemed like a million questions about how things worked (and opinions on how they should work!) when I first joined community team. To those who encouraged me to shoot for the moon and become a UO Designer, you’ve literally changed my life for the better, as I really didn’t know just how much fun all of this could be!

I've learned and grown so much during my time with EA, and I am very much going to miss coming in to work each day. I'm actually a bit afraid that no matter what I do for the rest of my life, I won't ever quite find the same eagerness to get up in the morning and start my day. You wouldn't believe how many nights I've stayed up late tossing and turning because I couldn't stop thinking about all the things I wanted to do with UO. I have faith in those who are making the move, and I know the spirit of UO is in good hands, but I can't help but to be sad that I won't be around to help shape the things to come. Our society says that grown men shouldn't cry, but I'll tell you that I certainly did walking out of that building today. There is no shame in caring greatly, and care greatly I do for UO. Sometimes it’s hard to let go… especially when you don't really want to.

I can only hope that you've enjoyed something that I've put into UO, because I did try my best to do her justice.

Most of all, I'm going to miss all of you. This sometimes rowdy, sometimes funny, sometimes ornery group that we all call "the community" has been a part of my life for nearly 8 years now. Some of you I even feel like you're a part of my daily life, having read hundreds, if not thousands, of your posts over the years. I've met many of you in person at townhalls and other events, and have chatted with some of you online, and I can honestly say that UO's greatness is because of the contributions of each and every one of you. It can't really be said that UO belongs to you - because UO *is* you. No matter what is to come, remember that you will always be able to say that you were a part of the most passionate and loyal community in the entire MMO universe, bar none. Some games can say they were around earlier, and some can say they have had larger communities, but none can say that they were finer than you.

Don't forget that.

You know, they say that you don't ever forget your first love, and that the feeling you have then is one that you'll never quite feel again. Well, UO was my first love when it comes to MMOs, and I certainly won't be forgetting her anytime soon. It's been a fun ride though, hasn't it?

So, having submitted my last change to UO (it's a surprise, but I think you'll like it), it's time for me to sign off from this account and continue down the path I was on back in the summer of 2004 - I'm heading back to school to finish my degree. From there, who knows what the future holds in store?

I wish all of you the very best luck. Happy hunting, and don't forget to share a Shadow Wyrm or two with any old bards that you might happen to run into late at night.

Farewell my friends... I'll miss you.

Godspeed!

- Wilki

=*(

So who is next on the good byes? Are they all just going to step out and not say a word to the rest of the UO community again after these really sad post? Ugh.. I really liked the UO team >_< from what I have seen of them... just wish EA didn't suck so much...

-RMS Carpathia-

uhg, what's happening to UO, i swear.

I think the recent decision to relocate back to Austin again, after setting up a team in Ca,says it all .

One house of many colours

They're not going back to Austin...they're going to VA....

Aren't they?...or am I confused and misread something?...

It is confusing with the constant changes going on, but yes they are heading to the Mytic Entertainment offices located in Fairfax, Virginia.

This might stir the pot a little but here it goes:

I'm glad to see these people go. I don't know what influence they had on the overall game decisions but to me the game is really bad. I know these people worked really hard on UO but I can't say I agree with their changes so I'm hoping that maybe new blood will freshen this game up.

You are always entitled to your opinion Lensky! ^_^ If that is how you feel that is how you feel! We expressed ours only right for you too express yours! We like to hear everyones side not just the same one all the time (unless they really do agree then it is okay) but yeah!

You did it in a respective way you didn't not openly bash stuff on purpose you was just giving your side of the view so I see nothing wrong in it

So never be afraid to post your thoughts, ideas, and whatnot

-RMS Carpathia-

Will it never end!?

My bad,people,sorry.I read so much info sometimes ,I confuse myself .

Thank goodness we have Queen Mum to keep us noobs in line ,*grins*