Ottawa, Ontario July 20. On July 19, Sirtech Canada announced layoffs affecting its Jagged Alliance and Wizardry development teams. Development work on both Jagged Alliance 3 and Wizardry 9 has halted, effective immediately.

Reasons cited for the layoffs included difficulties in obtaining timely funding for Jagged Alliance 3 and Wizardry 9, as well as failure to receive royalties due from the European publishers of Jagged Alliance 2 and Jagged Alliance 2: Unfinished Business.

Sirtech Canada is still seeking funding for Wizardry 9 and Jagged Alliance 3. Obtaining funding within the next four to eight weeks is crucial if work on these projects is to go forward.

Wizardry 8 is complete, and measures are being taken to ensure that it is released to market. It is expected that it will be released by the end of the year and a playable demo will be available before the game hits store shelves. Further announcements will be made with regard to these dates. Wizardry 8 has already undergone an extensive beta-testing process. However, Sirtech Canada has made arrangements with key staff to produce a patch if one proves necessary. Sadly, this may be the last Wizardry to be produced by Sirtech Canada should future funding be unobtainable.

International versions of Wizardry 8 are unaffected by this announcement. Other international versions are being produced, and Sirtech Canada is providing all necessary localization materials to its licensees. Materials are being retained to provide to any new licensees interested in localizing a Sirtech product.

Everyone at Sirtech Canada would like to express our gratitude to all the faithful fans who supported us throughout the years. You have our heartfelt thanks for making Sirtech a legendary name in the gaming industry.

Concerned fans wishing to help out can demonstrate their support by pre-ordering Wizardry 8 at a major retailer such as Electronics Boutique.

Contact: Ian Currie: icurrie@sir-tech.com