Oct 30, 2007

Gamespy's analysis after the official announcement

From a Gamespy article :
At this point the rumors and speculation are clearly pointing to a Star Wars-based massively multiplayer online game. BioWare's impressive track record, its strong collaboration with LucasArts on the critically acclaimed Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, and the current state of Star Wars Galaxies make this a natural fit for both parties.

When asked about how this announcement would impact Star Wars Galaxies, the Star Wars-based massively multiplayer online game developed by Sony Online Entertainment and published by LucasArts, BioWare played this one close to the vest. "No details of the actual product have been announced yet, so we are unable to comment on any impact the collaboration will have on existing BioWare or LucasArts products."

Source : LucasArts and Bioware Working Together Again

Official announcement : LucasArts and Bioware working together

Official press release :
SAN FRANCISCO, CA and EDMONTON, CANADA — October 30, 2007 — LucasArts and BioWare today announced that they have entered into an agreement to create an interactive entertainment product. The product, details of which will be unveiled at a later date, will be developed and published by BioWare and LucasArts, and will push the boundaries of the gaming market by utilizing the strengths of both companies to deliver an innovative, high-quality experience.

“LucasArts has a deep commitment to developing compelling stories and characters for the unique medium of interactive entertainment, and we have been searching for a developer that shares this value. We found this in BioWare,” said Jim Ward, president of LucasArts. “Through our previous collaborations, we know that BioWare has an impressive ability to blend gripping stories with technological advancements, and we believe that our upcoming product will deliver an experience that will span the traditional boundaries of video game entertainment.”

“BioWare’s mission is to deliver the best story and character-driven games in the world, delivering powerful emotional experiences to our fans.” said Ray Muzyka, chief executive officer, BioWare. Added Greg Zeschuk, president of BioWare, “The collaboration with LucasArts allows us to combine our passion for creating high quality and innovative experiences with those of a company dedicated to bringing only the finest games to market.

A LucasArts + Bioware website has been opened. It currently only contains this press release and a form to sign up for updates about this project.
> http://www.lucasartsbioware.com
> Thread about this announcement on the official Bioware forum

Oct 19, 2007

Anonymous source close from Bioware says the game will be about KOTOR

From a Primotech article :
A source close to BioWare confirmed to us today that the studio’s upcoming untitled massively-multiplayer online RPG will be centered around the Star Wars universe, specifically that of Knights of the Old Republic, which the developer released in 2003. The game garnered critical acclaim and spawned a less-popular sequel, released by Obsidian two years later.

The game is being developed by the company’s Austin studio, formed in 2006 and headed by BioWare Creative Director James Ohlen, whose past credits include the first KOTOR, Neverwinter Nights, and Baldur Gate’s I and II.
> Source : BioWare’s Upcoming MMO Based in KOTOR Universe - Primotech - October 19th 2007

Oct 9, 2007

Job ads from Bioware website contain some clues

Having a look at the job ads at Bioware Austin Studios website, for people to work on the MMORPG projetc, we can find some clues in both direction.

Clues for a non Star Wars MMO, but rather a fantasy game :
- Writer job ad : "Familiarity with the fantasy genre and role-playing games is a must."
- Visual Effect Designer job ad : "Successful candidates will be able to research, conceptualize, and animate natural effects (water, smoke, foliage, dust, fabric); as well as fantastical effects (spells, explosions, powers, etc.). You must have an interest in fantasy."

Clue for a Star Wars MMO :
- Cconceptual Artist job ad : "Interested applicants may forward their resume and submit a 2D portfolio. Please include samples from at least three of the following categories: Environment - Architecture, Interior architecture, Character/Costume design, Creature design, Vehicles and technology, Props, items, objects"