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E3 08: KOTOR MMO confirmed
Ben Parfitt Jul 18 2008, 11:22am
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EA boss Riccitiello states that BioWare is working on a massively multiplayer version of its hit Star Wars RPG
E3 may be over but the big-hitting announcements just keep creeping out – this time it’s the turn of EA chief executive John Riccitiello who has confirmed that the EA-owned BioWare is working on an MMO version of its hugely popular Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.
Speaking to Portfolio.com, Riccitiello stated: "We've got two of the most compelling MMOs in the industry in development. And the one that people are dying for us to talk to them about, in partnership with Lucas, coming out of BioWare, which is, I think, quite possibly the most anticipated game, full stop, for the industry at the point when we get closer to telling you about it."
When pressed, he confirmed that the game in question was indeed KOTOR (the first title, incidentally, is the upcoming Warhammer Online). Though this is not directly stated, Portfolio also suggests that the KOTOR MMO is not in development for next-gen consoles and will be PC-only.
Riccitiello also spoke of his confidence at how EA is shaping up under his stewardship: "I think, hands down, there's not a publisher or a platform that's got what we've got. I've got twenty-two nephews and nieces. I couldn't buy everything I wanted for them at the holidays. Now I can do the entire holiday – and capture my mother for the first time – at the EA store. That's never been the case before."
Comments
“cool”
Posted by: ka0znrky - Jul 18, 12:41pm
Didn't even know this one was in the works. Very good news. I've always enjoyed games like Diablo and WoW but can never really get into them so something like this will be more up my street =)
“Re: cool”
Posted by: Commander Jameson - Jul 18, 4:02pm
I sincerely hope this will make it's way onto Xbox 360 as well. It seems strange that KOTOR 3 would be a PC exclusive when the prequels were developed for the original Xbox then ported to PC. I wonder if this is the EA influence over bioware showing it's face? As Xbox 360 is a "PC in a box", I see no reason for 360/PC simultanious release, unless EA are striving for a 360/PS3 simultanious release at a later date (ie, when they work out how to port it to PS3!)
Ooh, conspiracy theories ahoy!
Either way, I personally think KOTOR is not only one of the finest games ever made, but one of the finest stories and universes created for the Star Wars Cannon.
Wonder if Mass Effect sequels will be affected?
“Re: Re: cool”
Posted by: Onehunglow - Jul 18, 9:06pm
You can check out www.lucasartsbioware.com which has the original announcement that they were working together (prior to EA buying out bioware).
Its common knowledge that Bioware have been working on a new MMO since 2006 using the 'hero' engine (I think) and since the LucasArts/Bioware announcement back in October 07, people started to put 2 and 2 together.
There still isnt any official announcement if indeed there is a new Star Wars MMO in the works but recently the domain StarWarstheoldrepublic.com was snapped up by Lucasfilm.....let the rumour mill kick in!
“Re: Re: Re: cool”
Posted by: Jay - Jul 18, 10:35pm
PC only? no thanks.
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Posted by: Onehunglow - Jul 19, 6:56am
PC only? Yes please!
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Posted by: starwars - Jul 19, 3:55pm
You would of thought with LIVE being so versatile and hugely popular this title would of gotten an Xbox360 release? It may still do but if not then it's a wasted opportunity-this is just going to be another PC MMO that will be eaten up by the machine that is WOW, even with the Star Wars licence behind it.
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Posted by: Lenny - Jul 19, 6:56pm
This is horrible news. I've always wanted a sequel to finish the story of kotor 1 and 2, but that's just the thing. MMO stories suck. They always do. It's always the most bare bones plot line of a bunch of gods did something way back when, and now you must go kill x monsters, collect y items, and trade them for a cool sword. ~Sigh~
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Posted by: Onehunglow - Jul 20, 5:19pm
I think people are sick of MMOs because its were the un-creative thrive. Uninspiring 'quests', poorly planned design structures, MMOs have become nothing short of a second job/grind fest.
Compelling stories, excitement, sandbox mode is what's needed, not another clone of World of Borecraft
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Posted by: Nick - Aug 3, 1:38am
Idk why anyone would want another single player KOTOR 3 first the plot is pretty much done for KOTOR 2 diden't even have one...I think a MMO would be great not another beat it and play the same stuff over and over and over no thanks...