It's always sad to see an MMORPG closing down, unless you're that one company who accidentally deleted your game data and forced yourself to shut down. That one was funny in a macabre sort of way. Anyway, while you wouldn't know it from their main page (never a good sign), the sci-fi MMORPG Earthrise has decided to indefinitely close its doors.

While in the general press release, Director Atanas Atanasov blamed the games' early release and lack of publisher interest, a yet-to-be-named inside source posted on the official Earthrise forums noting that developer Masterhead Studios wanted to "make better game [sic] in terms of server and client performances," but that the amount of time and resources required to do so was too large. This inside poster also notes that Earthrise will not abandoned completely; rather, he or she notes that it will be "postponed for better times." Meanwhile, Masthead will focus on other games until they can secure the investors required to continue work on their very first MMO. Farewell Earthrise!

Masthead Studios announced today that it will once again be lowering the price of the Earthrise client, as well as the monthly subscription fees. In June, the developer slashed the price from $49.99 to $24.90. On August 5, the price will drop to $14 for non-EU players and 12 Euro for EU players.

The reduced subscription fees go into effect today. One month now costs $14 (12 Euro), while a 3-month subscription costs $30 (25 Euro). The best deal is a 6-month subscription for $50 (46 Euro), which will give you access to the game for $8.33 a month.

“We decided to lower the game price based on the feedback, which we received from our players. We determined that a big flow of new customers would greatly improve the in-game economics and would also make Earthrise a lot more fun for both new and old members," said Atanas Atanasov, producer of Earthrise and director of Masthead Studios.

Masthead Studios has released the first major expansion for Earthrise, its post-apocalyptic sci-fi MMO. The expansion grants players the access to Territorial War areas and content. It also greatly improves the performance of the client.

To mark the occasion, the company has reactivated all game accounts and provided them with 15 days of free play. The launch of the expansion follows Masthead's decision to reduce the price of the game. It's currently available on Direct2Drive for $11.95, which includes the exclusive Overdrive Armor bonus item.

In preparation for the launch of the Territorial Warfare expansion that will double the size of the Earthrise world and add all sorts of new content, Masthead Studios has reduced the price of Earthrise from $49.99 to $24.90. If you're at all interested in trying out this sci-fi sandbox MMO, the price just got a little more enticing.

To go along with the price drop, Masthead announced today that Iceberg Digital is now the worldwide digital publisher of Earthrise. Iceberg has been the game's publisher in Europe since December 2010, so this agreement expands their territory quite a bit.

Masthead Studios just released two pieces of concept art that showcase the upcoming vehicles in Earthrise. One of them was already seen in the Earthrise cinematic introduction trailer, as shown above. You can view the concept art below.

Like most items in the game, vehicles in Earthrise will be crafted by players. For more details on this sci-fi MMO, head over to the official Earthrise site.

Today marks the official launch of Earthrise, a sci-fi MMO from Masthead Studios. The game can be purchased digitally for $49.99 through the game's official site and Direct2Drive. Buying the game through either outlet will get you an exclusive set of armor. The boxed version is only available in Europe and includes a limited edition bonus poster and map. The subscription fee is $14.99 per month, although the first month is free.

To see the game in action, check out the cinematic trailer and a beta gameplay video after the jump. Head over to the official Earthrise site for more details on the post-apocalyptic MMO.

Masthead Studios has released a schedule of updates for the upcoming sci-fi MMO Earthrise. The schedule outlines what content will be available upon release as well as a map of all the updates through April 2011. Generally, fans get a glimpse of content updates for games only a few days in advance. Earthrise is taking the initiative to highlight what players can look forward to several months ahead of time.

Check out the full listing at the official Earthrise site. Also, don't forget to take a peak at the cinematic introduction trailer and the beta gameplay video.

Masthead Studios has released the cinematic introduction trailer for Earthrise, a sci-fi MMO that is scheduled to launch in two weeks. Check it out after the jump, along with a description of what's going on in the trailer straight from Masthead.

Earthrise will be available for digital download through the game's official site on Feb. 4. A retail version will be available exclusively in Europe and will include a limited edition bonus poster and map.

Masthead Studios has released a new Earthrise gameplay video that features scenes from the new Earthrise beta client, which launched last week. Here's the content that you can see in the video:

"The new beta video showcases dynamic footage of PvE and PvP combat, and displays new areas of Enterra including Sal Vitas square, Seyeen and the Cascade Mountains. The video also presents weapons like the Shielding Device, Leadership Device, the T5 Core Flamer, and many more."

You can watch the video after the jump. The sci-fi MMO will be available through digital distribution on Feb. 4. Head over to the Earthrise site if you'd like to sign up for the beta.

Following the announcement that Earthrise will be available through digital distribution on Feb. 4, Masthead Studios has launched a new version of the beta client. Here's what the new client adds to the game:

"The new Earthrise beta version features player-centric enhancements such as upgraded combat and tactics skills, crafting skills, insurance, teleports, as well as more advanced graphics and sharper animations."

In celebration, Masthead will be distributing thousands of Earthrise beta keys in the coming days. Head over to the game's official site to sign up for a chance to win a key.