MMO developer Trion Worlds, responsible for the likes of Rift, ArchAge, and Defiance, has reportedly laid off the "vast majority" of its workforce following acquisition by free-to-play publisher Gamigo.

Reports of the lay-offs initially came via Gamasutra, whose sources named German publisher Gamingo as Trion's buyer. While Gamingo has yet to offer comment, an official statement from Trion did confirm a "transaction" involving the studio and its games had taken place, and that redundancies had occurred as a result.

"While many of the names and faces you've come to know in our studios will remain on through this transition, others will not be making the journey," the statement read, "To those who are leaving us, we are forever grateful for your incredible work and contributions over the years."

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Defiance - the MMO that was also a pretty good sci-fi show - is getting another new lease of life from developer Trion Worlds.

Defiance 2050 will be free-to-play, just as the original Defiance game now is, and arrive later this year for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

A closed beta is coming soon, the game's official site says.

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