EA’s licensing deal with Games Workshop has come to an end, meaning that the MMORPG Warhammer Online must now be shuttered too.

In a statement, EA said: “We wish to thank all the loyal players throughout the years for their patronage.”

Warhammer Online had been struggling for a while now- the game launched to glowing reviews from the press, but lost over half its userbase by 2009. Earlier this year, however, EA issued a lengthy statement, thanking Games Workshop for their support:

“Games Workshop has cultivated a world class IP. We were lucky enough to play in their universe for nearly a decade, with five great long years live. However, like all things – our contract has come to an end.

“Both Games Workshop and Mythic agreed to part ways, despite how hard it is emotionally on us to let the game go. It has been a tremendous honor to work with Games Workshop and even though we may be parting ways, our relationship with them remains strong.”

The Warhammer IP now rests with Sega. The Creative Assembly, developers of the Total War games, are now working on a new game in the franchise.

BioWare’s Dr. Ray Mazyuka at gamescom today announced a Player vs Player, Free-to-play PC game, Warhammer Online: Wrath of Heroes for the PC.

Have a look at the trailer below.

You can sign up f0r a beta at www.wrathofheroes.com.