The Transformers Universe team have announced that, as of today, they will be closing down and issuing refunds to paying members with the full closure being at 10am GMT on Jan 31st 2015. You can read the full announcement below

Today Jagex and Hasbro can confirm that Transformers Universe will close. This decision comes at an important time for both companies as they both realign their plans and focuses for 2015.

What does this mean for our players?

We’re hugely disappointed, but the game will be closing over the coming weeks before its full closure at 10am GMT on 31st January 2015.

As a team, we can’t thank players enough for the support that they have shown us over the last few years of development, and even more so during our BETA period.

What’s next?

The shutdown period will begin from today. As part of the winding down we will be refunding all those that have purchased a Founders Pack, as well as anyone that has purchased relic bundles and starter packs. These refunds should be all processed in the next 30 days. In addition we will be closing the ability for new players to make accounts, those of you that already have accounts will continue to be able to use them until the closure date.

If you haven’t received a refund after 16th January 2015 and believe you should have, then please contact the Jagex customer services team (tu_refunds@support.jagex.com). We will also be pushing an update live today that will switch off the ability for players to buy any more relic packs, or starter bundles.

As mentioned, on 31st Jan 2015 @ 10am GMT we will be shutting down all servers and forums and will freeze all Transformers Universe related accounts. These accounts will then be live for another 60 days (approx.) for any final queries before deletion on 31st March 2015.

Between now and the date of closure the Jagex CM team will continue to operate on the forums and we will provide relevant updates on the website as necessary.

If you have any queries about your account or refunds please contact our customer support team on tu_refunds@support.jagex.com. Please understand that they may be very busy during this time but they will respond as quickly as possible.

Thank You

Once again we want to thank all of the players that have played Transformers Universe and all those that have worked on the project. We’re sure you have thoughts and feelings that you’d like to share on this, so please do so on our forums. Please bear in mind that this is obviously a challenging time for all involved, especially the CM team. There will be plenty of things we can’t comment on, so please respect their position.

Sincerely

Transformers Universe Development Team

Jagex have posted some Vine videos introducing characters from their upcoming Transformers Universe video game.

First up is Duststorm, a new female Decepticon character who carries three weapons, the Mesh Smasher, Electro Nova and Dyna Pelter.

Next, via YouTube, is Meltdown. Meltdown is a new character who's three weapons are the Boraya Beam Gun, Starscream Beam Gun and Protex Rocket Launcher

Do you remember Transformers Universe? The MMORPG that had been in development since late 2011 / early 2012?  Perhaps you attended their Panel at Auto Assembly, well they are now sending out email updates to a press release by Mark Gerhard, CEO & CTO of Jagex, regarding the state of the game.  In the statement, Mr Gerhard states that the Jagex team have been refining their "vision, gameplay, tech and team to bring you what we believe will be the start of an entertaining, social and competitive game for all of you to enjoy over the next decade and beyond!".  He also confirms that the game will launch in the Summer with access to the beta version increasing over the coming months.

To read the full press release visit transformersuniverse.com.

Jagex have opened up registration for anyone who is interested in being a Beta tester for their upcoming MMORPG Transformers Universe.  Toy register simply visit their website, choose your side and enter in your details.

The Facebook page for the Transformers Universe MMO game has been updated with several images.

Gamespot UK recently went "hands-on" with the upcoming Internet browser-based MMO Transformers video game from Jagex Studios, Transformers Universe.  You can find their impressions on the game, which is due for as s2013 release over on GameSpot.com.  You can also find a new trailer for the game below

Last weekend saw the MCN London Expo take place here within the UK.  During the event on Saturday Jagex held a panel regarding Transformers: Universe.  Whilst we were in attendance at the event we missed the panel as we were at Nickelodeons panel on the 2012 TMNT show at the same time.  However thanks to YouTuber Apollon1 you can watch a video of the event below.

Whilst we were sitting in on the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles talk and presentation, Jagex held a presenatation to discuss the Transformers Universe MMO game (for which they are still looking for staff).

• A free web-based MMO based on Transformers Prime.
• Aimed to last for at least 10 years.
• Will have various known Transformers Characters
• At launch the game will be based on Earth but eventually other “areas” will be accessible such as Cybertron + other planets. Hence, the name “Universe”. They have stated that new transformers will be introduced as we travel from one world to another.
• Energon is aimed to be used as a currency.
• Real money will be integrated in the game but in what way exactly has not been yet finalized. Most likely a way to increase the pace of things for people who would like quick results. It will not be used to purchase a more powerful weapon as that would not be fair.

Regarding Customization:

• Initially only vehicles but animal forms/beast modes to follow.
• You can choose a male or a female character.
• There will be classes: ie brawler, snipper, technician (not yet defined)
• Alternate modes are not just a mount

Do you work within I.T? Are you looking for an opportunity to break into the Video Games industry?  If you are then you may be pleased to know that Jagex are recruiting for staff to work on Transformers Universe, the online MMORPG game which is under development here within the U.K.

They have several vacancines currently listed on LinkedIn which include:

• Head of IT, Jagex - Cambridge

  World leading independent online games studio Jagex Ltd is looking for an exceptional Head of IT to take a leading role in developing and maintaining...more

• Product Analyst (Transformers Universe) , Jagex - Cambridge

  World-leading independent online games studio Jagex Ltd is looking for an exceptional Product Analyst to join our Transformers Universe department....more

• VFX Specialist, Jagex - Cambridge

  VFX Specialist (Transformers Universe) World leading independent Online Games Studio, Jagex Ltd, is looking for an exceptional VFX Artist to join a...more

• Senior Engine Developer (Transformers Universe), Jagex - Cambridge

  Jagex Ltd, the UK’s leading independent online games studio, is looking for exceptional and passionate programmers, who want to work with cutting edge...more

• Senior Graphics Developer (Transformers Universe), Jagex - Cambridge

  agex Ltd, the UK’s leading independent online games studio, is looking for exceptional and passionate programmers, who want to work with cutting edge...more

I'm half tempted to apply for the Head of IT position myself ;)

Here's a round up of Botcon 2012's sunday panels

Transformers: Prime Game

• They're hoping for a holiday release date
• Brawler style game play
• All the voice actors from the show are on board
• Based largely on the events of seasons one and some of two
• A trailer of cut scenes was show, but no actual game play

Transformers Fall of Cybertron

• They feel it surpasses it's predecessor in everyway
• 18 upgradeable weapons
• Cliffjumper(voiced by Nolan North) and Jazz have "buddy" vibe, they wanted to explore Cliffjumper's history due to his role in Transformers Prime
• They feel they nailed Grimlock's appearance (Matt really, really likes Grimlock!)
• Looked to the comics to establish the connection between the Dinobots and Shockwave
• The Generations Fall of Cybertron toys have been a joint collaboration between HMS and Hasbro with the figures designed in-step with the game models
• Multiplayer Customization - Unprecedented ability to craft your own Trasformer
• Head, torso, upper/lower arms and legs, wings, etc are all customizable
• Transformation will look natural no matter what design you choose
• Still no plans for a PC version

Transformers Universe MMO

• Free to play on any browser with Java, should look and play like a console game
• Based in the Transformers Prime continuity, but independent of the show
• Third person POV, with some camera adjustment
• There will be multiple character classes to revealed later with 5 classes available at the launch
• Probably no class changing, though you can create multiple characters of varying classes
• Trailer was shown, but did not feature game play
• No beast modes or flight modes will be available for the launch, though they hope to add flight modes soon
• Character appearance will change with modes and upgrades
• Possible Beta version by the end of the year
• Humans are in the game, but only as part of the environment

Jagex have now launched the Transformers Universe site for the Mass Multiplayer Online Transformers game, based in the Transformers Prime universe.

You may remember that on the 22nd December we reported that Jim Sorenson had posted extended G1 profiles for Swerve, Hupcap, Roadbuster and the Deluxe Insecticons­ over on his blog Disciples of Boltax.­  In that post Jim made mention to the fact that he had lost the profile for Roadbuster's partner Whirl, well I got in touch with Jim as I though I might well have it with some other behind-the-scenes papers I have around. Well since then I have sorted through my notes and I do indeed have the extended profile along with the smaller tech-spec version, both from documents dated 3rd December 1984.  So without further-a-do, I would like to present to you Whirl's full profile

5993 Deluxe Helicopter - 1985 - 12/03/84

Autobot Helicopter
Code Name: Whirl
Function: Aerial Assault

Profile:
Whirl is one Autobot who really loves his job.  As a helicopter, he doesn't just fly, he careens across the sky in what appears to be a wild, joyful dance.  But the crazy patterns he spins and weaves in flight only disguise the method to his madness.  He calculates that an enemy would be far more terrified by someone who appears to be insane than by a purely rational opponent.  Indeed, he is right.  One single, lunatic dive of Whirl's will often send Decepticons scurrying for cover even before he starts firing at them.  "An attack of insanity can be just as effective as an attack by a proton bomb," says Whirl.

Abilities:
As a helicopter, Whirl can fly at a speed of 400 mph.  He has a range of 16000 miles.  His manoeuvrability is amazing -- he can fly at virtually any angle except upside down, and even that he can achieve while doing loops.  He packs four incendiary-shell cannons and a high-energy photon beam rifle.  He has enormous strength in robot mode and carries a hand-mounted null-ray module that shields him from any energy beam directed at him, and a leg-mounted paralyzo-box that injects a powerful, disabling fluid when bought into contact with other robotic life.

Weaknesses:
Being reckless, Whirl is prone to disabling himself by damaging his rotor blades.

Here is the tech spec profile that I also have, which is the same as the one used on the box.

Tech Spec:
AUTOBOT WHIRL
AERIAL ASSAULT
Loves his job ... careens across sky spinning and weaving wild, crazy patterns.  Believes enemies are more terrified of him if he acts insane during an attack.  Flies at 400 mph, range 1600 miles.  Amazing manoeuvrability ... can fly at almost any angle.  Carries 4 incendiary-shell cannons, hi-energy photo beam rifle.  Great strength as robot... has null-ray module on hand, paralyzo-box on leg.  Reckless... prone to rotor blade damage,

If used logically, madness makes a great weapon.

Str: 8 Int: 8 Spd: 8 End: 8 Rnk: 6 Crg: 9 Frp: 8 Skl: 8

Our thanks once again go out to King Grimlock for providing more new Transformers toy galleries for the website.  Tonight's update once again focuses on the Transformers Universe toy line.

• Transformers Universe War Within Ratbat
• Transformers Universe War Within Dirge
• Transformers Universe Overkill
• Transformers Universe Onslaught
• Transformers Universe Nemesis Prime­