Microsoft abruptly removes Ascend: Hand of Kul from Xbox 360
Free-to-play action-RPG Ascend: Hand of Kul is no longer available on the Xbox 360 after Microsoft discontinued it this week, apparently without informing developer Signal Studios beforehand. In what's seemingly less a case of "So long, farewell" and more Jazzy Jeff leaving the Fresh Prince's house, Signal Studios said the news only surfaced when the team was investigating player troubles from the weekend.
"We are deeply saddened by this decision and the impact it has on our community," Signal Studios said on its site while urging players towards the Steam version released in May. The studio didn't note what Microsoft's reasoning was behind the decision, and when we approached the publisher a spokesperson told us Microsoft had "no further comment."
The PC version is still in beta, but Signal Studios said it has a "wealth of improvements" over the original Xbox 360 version. To encourage the transition, Signal is giving new players 25K in souls, the currency which can be used to buy armor, spells and so on.
As things stand, Signal Studios will return to Xbox with Toy Soldiers: War Chest. The tower defense series' comeback is due to hit Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC sometime next year.
[Image: Signal Studios]
