Origin Systems confirmed the immediate departure of Ultima: Ascension producer Ed Del Castillo from the project. His affiliation with OSI ends effective immediately, according to an Origin spokesperson.
Attributing the departure to "philosophical differences," Origin is planning to release a FAQ to GameSpot News next week to address the current and future status of the title and its creative team.
Richard Garriott, executive designer on Ultima: Ascension, will now take charge of the project, although the OSI spokesperson said further clarification of the game's design and development hierarchy would be made next week.
When reached by phone at the end of the day Friday, Del Castillo, a former Westwood Studios producer, would not elaborate on his departure.
Origin was adamant in its statement that "the project is not being cancelled."