38 Studios employees have not been paid since May 1 'n their health care will end Thursday at midnight, a source with knowledge a the situation tells Joystiq. Employees be normally paid on the first 'n 15th a each month.

When asked if the studio would be shutting down this week, the source could only say, "Unknown at this time. Outlook be not good."

we be informed that 38 Studios' MMO, "Project Copernicus," announced by Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee as launching in June 2013, did have that date as it be internal target. However, "Whether this be realistic or not be up for debate."

Gov. Chafee said in a press conference today that he would do what he could t' prevent the studio from shutting down. Will the studio still exist within a month? "I have no idea," our source replied.