Studio Figurines Bastion Inc. has announced plans to shut down operations. The publisher of Ex Illis, the software-enhanced miniatures game has promised fans of the game that the computer servers that support the system will continue to operate.

 

The final decision was made in January. “Right after the holidays, a series of events led us to the conclusion that a shutdown of operations, at least a temporary one, was needed,”  a company spokesman reported on the Ex Illis forums. Though the game had seen a growing fan base, “it became apparent that we couldn’t continue with our current financial structure.” The entire staff of Bastion was let go.

 

Ex Illis has been on the market since April 2009, and combined on-line interaction with traditional fantasy miniatures combat (see “Miniature Game Uses Computer”). Play of the game required players to run a PC connected to the Ex Illis servers, instead of using a printed rulebook. This computer integration into the game creates a dilemma for fans of the game. If the servers cannot be maintained, it would severely restrict the players’ ability to continue playing the game.

 

The game designers are negotiating with the company’s creditors and seeking new financial backers to support future development of the title, including a planned expansion set. In the meantime, they intend to continue operating the Ex Illis servers as long as possible, to provide support and playing opportunities to existing fans.