E3 2008: EA Confirms Knights of the Old Republic MMO
Posted by Chris on Thursday, July 17th, 2008 at 2:10 pm under Bioware, Computer, E3 2008, Electronic Arts, Features, Game Companies, Game Platforms, Games, Star Wars
This has been rumored for quite a long time, but Electronic Arts CEO John Riccitiello has given us the final word: a Knights of the Old Republic MMO is in development by BioWare.
“We’ve got two of the most compelling MMOs in the industry in development,” said Riccitiello in an interview with Portfolio.com. The first title, based on the Warhammer property, will launch soon. “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.”
The interviewer then asked if Riccitiello meant a KotoR MMO, to which he responded, “Yes.” Sweet.
Star Wars fans will be rejoicing across the world at this news, since they’ll finally be able to clinging to Star Wars Galaxies. As excited for this game as I am — I’ll absolutely be on board for the game’s first day online — I certainly hope this doesn’t mean we won’t get another proper KotoR game in the future. The first one remains my second favorite Bioware game (right behind Mass Effect), and I’d really be happy to see a third game released. Between the MMO and the Mass Effect sequels, though, it seems unlikely that KotoR 3 is in the cards.
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July 17th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Gee, another MMO.
I like Bioware and all, but I just don't know what to say.
July 17th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
I know what to say Steve, WOOT!
July 17th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Oh boy! I can't wait for Star Wars Galaxies 2: Same Crap, Different Time Period!
July 17th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
uh.. Coldyron? Only difference is that SoE has NOTHING to do this this. So it's far from the Star Wars Galaxies 2 that Sony Online Entertainment ruined.
July 17th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
BioWare in my opinion are one of the few master developers of RPGs, and it is awesome that they are now making one a MMORPG.
SOE will have NOTHING to do with this MMO! It is SOE that ruined Star Wars Galaxies, and EVERYONE knows it. I hope BioWare takes note of what SOE did wrong in SWG and does those parts right while having some of the right things as well.
I swear if someone uses SWG as a example to say KoToR MMO will fail again, I will kill them myself.
July 17th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
This is one of those things where its going to be a wait and see.. I hope its gonna be awesome but who knows
July 17th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
SWG is a great MMO in many aspects. It's character creation, player housing, and crafting system are still second to none… 5 years after launch.
While I will NEVER argue that SOE ruined the game, people need to pay respect to SOME parts of SWG, as they still have yet to be matched by any other MMO.
July 17th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
SoE screwed the pooch with SWG, remember trials of Obi-Wan? SoE was handing out refunds to people who bought that expansion, Refunds!
SoE took a MMO with a fairly strong fanbase and changed it to the point where literally a thousands of people left, SoE reaction was basically "Deal with it"…the forums were a mess after NGE to the point where the mods were telling people to go screw.
Respect for SoE? no….they screwed the player-base and never once gave an apology, instead they continue to talk about the game's success when it's obvious to anybody that it's anything but.
The latest article and the players response to it.
http://www.mmogamer.com/10/18/2007/interview-jake-neri-discusses-star-wars-galaxies
KOTOR Online is going to be the death knell of SWG, mark my words.
July 17th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Way to kill a classic. Well there's definitely not going to be a kotor 3 now
Oh well. Gaming these days has gone to hell anyway.
July 17th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
@Bounce
Actually i think there's going to be both…if i'm not totally mistaken KOTOR online is not going to be KOTOR 3, so best of both worlds and whatnot.
http://www.theforce.net/latestnews/story/kotor_3_an_rpg_not_a_mmo_112250.asp
Again, i'm not totally certain…there are quite a few conflicting reports at the moment.
July 17th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
This isn't the death of SWG. This new game is going to be NOTHING like SWG was or is. There IS enough room in the market for 2 SW MMORPGs. One for the people who want kotor style gaming, the other for people who want more depth than combat alone can provide.
Just because you don't like SWG doesn't mean the world should stop spinning and fly out of orbit killing humanity. I means YOU don't like SWG. Big deal.
July 17th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
@Yivvits
Guess we'll just have to wait and see, eh?
I don't ever recall saying i don't like SWG, could you please show me where i did?….SoE is a different matter, i dislike the treatment they gave to SWG fans and i always shall…SWG on the other hand was amazing…when players were actually around.
KOTOR Online won't have depth?!? you assume much considering you've never even so much as seen a screenshot of this game….with Bioware/EA and Lucasarts involved i would say that KOTOR online not having depth is…oh i dunno…a tad premature wouldn't you say?
SWG is on life-support my friend and it has been for years.
July 17th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Every MMO needs a Storyline to it.Hasnt anyone realized that theres a good possibly that KOTOR 3 might be the storyline for a KOTOR MMO.
July 18th, 2008 at 8:09 am
@Wes
Again, i think we may be getting both…i haven't heard any concrete information that KOTOR Online will indeed be KOTOR 3.
If i'd had to wager a guess i would suspect that KOTOR Online would actually be before KOTOR in which the Mandalorians (sp?) haven't joined the Sith forces and Revan/Malak are still on the light side.
Frankly, i think LucasArts will bring out both games as it makes the most sense…LucasArts has been milking the Star Wars name for all it's worth, that and they know there is a large and dedicated fanbase out there willing to buy both products.
Or i could be totally wrong *shrug*
July 18th, 2008 at 9:15 am
well I think Davn Kincade is right, if Lucasart is smart they do both that will give them most profit and make all of us pleased ^^
July 18th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
@Davn Kincade
There's other factors to consider.
Does Lucasarts want to put subcription fees on KOTOR Online ? I know atleast 20 people who would play if there was no sub fees that number shrinks down to 5 if there was.One of the best options would be to have no sub fees and release a KOTOR 3 and a KOTOR Online at the same time and have a cross promo where if you bought say a "collectors pack" with both you get a free items in KOTOR online.Then use the profits from both to fund KOTOR Online.
Does Bioware have enough manpower to work on 2 MMO's (Dragon Age,Kotor Online) and an RPG (Kotor 3) ? and maybe more unannouced projects.
July 18th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
@Wes
I totally agree with you man, i understand the major long-time cost on a P2P game…but to answer the question i would guess that 'yes' it will be P2P.
I don't disprove the P2P game…now don't get me wrong i'd rather it be free, but i fully understand the cost…employees to pay, servers to keep up and running and so on and so forth, to some that $15-20/month is a small price to pay for the MMO experience.
As for the manpower..well it's not just Bioware anymore, it's Bioware/EA..so yes i would say that they could do both projects, i'm not expecting KOTOR 3 to be out anytime soon though.
Again this is complete speculation on my part and assumptions based on my consumer experience with LucasArts…for all i know there may not even be a KOTOR 3…but the way LucasArts likes to milk the Star Wars name i would be willing to wager that we'll see both.
July 18th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Yeesh..Disprove should've been disapprove.
Me not spelly so good
July 18th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
@Davn Kincade
Competely agree there.
Bioware is known for making great games…EA not so much with EA looking over Biowares shoulder and Lucasarts wanting to avenge the car crash that was SWG (even though I still play it).Its make or break time for then all.With Lucasarts last games having mods better then the games themselves.Bioware wanting to prove to their fans that EA owning them now isnt a problem for them and EA looking for a cash cow.
July 18th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
@Wes
Yeah i agree, i also don't see EA rocking the boat, at least for awhile…for a business standpoint they have much to gain by keeping on LucasArts good side and i must admit the team-up is pretty nice.
There is the potiental there to make some seriously kick-ass RPG's if they can all play nice with eachother…time will tell i suppose.
July 19th, 2008 at 11:36 am
SWG will go nowhere, im guessing half the ppl that are burying it havent played SWG in a while?
I know alot of ppl that hate the OR time period, me being one, im a fan of the old school films, the new ones just werent up to scratch…sorry.
July 19th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Depending on how the Developers take the game after Chapter 11 and Hoth I might still be playing SWG while playing KOTOR Online.I would love a MMO during the New Republic's first encounter with the Vong,there would be a reason for 1000 jedi running around and 3-4 factions ppl could align with.
July 25th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Cant Freaking wait for it. Love the Game.
July 29th, 2008 at 4:18 am
The KotOR gaming community will revolt against EA, Bioware and LucasArts if this is exclusively an MMO. Ive been a member of the KotOR community for several years now and I can honestly tell you that their will be a huge backlash if the KotOR MMO is all we get. I understand that in this day and age people want online play more so then single player campaigns and storylines and truly believe many people will play and love this MMO but the developers and publishers in this case have really missed the mark if they dont also make Knights of the Old Republic III. I just want to know one thing and then I can die a happy KotOR fan……WHAT HAPPENS TO REVAN AND THE EXILE IN THE UNKNOWN REGIONS?!?!?!
July 29th, 2008 at 5:14 am
Err is there an educational course on how to play a MMO cos I wouldn't have a freaking clue…are they really that popular…i mean, how many MMOs are there and how many players!?!?!?!
Please please please create a single player KOTOR 3!
Given how succesful Mass Effect is turning out to be, I think they would be crazy not too.
July 31st, 2008 at 5:13 pm
An average MMO has anywhere from 10000-20000 active subcribers.There are probably 10-20 Million ppl playing MMOs daily.