BioWare MMORPG

[rabb1t]

So um... yeah... BioWare is makin a MOG and after Vanguard I think it's the one I'm anticipating the most... but um... we have no real info on it yet so the thread probably won't see much activity for a while.

http://www.bioware.com/bioware_info/press_releases/2006_03_15_Austin/

[GnomerBreltik]

There was a big rumor that Lucasarts execs had visited bioware and wanted another Star Wars MMO since SOE kinda messed up that one. Still just rumors.

With the success of NWN and the fact that folks are still playing that game 4 years after its original release, Bioware might make a good one. NWN has a crazy amount of folks who mod and make persistant worlds for free multiplay (including myself) and I think Obsidian made a great move picking up the sequel.

There rabbit, your post is not in vain.

[rabb1t]

I thought to myself, as I played Knights of the Old Republic 1, "You know, if SWG had been like this I'd have totally played it." I was really disapointed in how SWG turned out. I absolutely hated the pacing and style.

I do hope that BioWare goes with a Sci-Fi theme (Mass Effect looks awesome). But I'm sure whatever they do will be great. :D

Why can't Mass Effect release for PC or PS3??
/cry
/cry

[GnomerBreltik]

Last I heard Jade Empire is going to be on the PC though, so you might want to check out that.

[mhoward48]

What about them making Diablo 3 or NeverWinter Online kind of game, as rabb1t mentioned?? They are being very quiet about it for sure. I would like to see either one, I think being made.
mhoward

[rabb1t]

Blizzard owns the rights to the Diablo series. If there were a Diablo 3 it would be done by Blizzard.

(Though the true Diablo 3 is Hellgate:London (http://www.hellgatelondon.com/). :D )

Something fantasy based, like NWN, would not surprise me. Though I'd bet if they did it the game would have a regular MOG look.

As to a Diablo-like MOG... well, someone else is doing that and the core game will apparently be free. (They are using a micro-purchase plan, which is apparently not uncommon overseas.) See: Dungeon Runners (http://www.dungeonrunners.com/).

[mhoward48]

Hi,

Thanks for the info rabb1t. I will check out both those games you mentioned.

mhoward

[mhoward48]

Hi,

http://www.metronews.ca/tech_news.asp?id=16325

They could introduce him into the new game as a bard:)

[GnomerBreltik]

I could see WoTC (wizards of the coast) and Bioware coming together for something similar to NWN in an online setting but probably not a true NWN online since it would detract from Obsidians NWN2. Truely DDO seems to have dropped the ball, so I wouldnt doubt WoTC maximizing the online effect with another game.

[Dillgaar]

I wish someone would do a Shadorun MOG... BioWare would be perfect for it

[Slide]

They've built up a big enough reputation to ditch 3rd party licenses really, and all their recent stuff is their own IP so not expecting a license.

Doesn't MS own Shadowrun?

[Dillgaar]

Looks like it (http://shadowrun.com/)

[rabb1t]

Shadowrun looks good, but its not a MOG. It looks more like a Battlefield type game from what I can gather. (Single mission fights, you get to keep x that carries between fights, but you don't level-up per-say.)

[Giftmacher]

Fallout or Dune online would also be pretty good ooorrr Elite 4 :D

I wonder who owns the rights to the first two?

Gift.

[Tindiyen]

I recall a dune mmo thread on OVF in the off topic. Personally Ill vote for a mechwarrior mmo. MS owns the rights still I believe but that could be the one.

[rabb1t]

They do. They killed the true MechOnline. The closest thing you'll find now is MechAssault or Cromehounds (http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/chromehounds/index.html).

This has rapdily become a not BioWare MOG thread (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3911). :rolleyes:

[Dillgaar]

Shadowrun looks good, but its not a MOG. It looks more like a Battlefield type game from what I can gather. (Single mission fights, you get to keep x that carries between fights, but you don't level-up per-say.)


yeah I know :p

I was commenting about wanting a shadowrun MMOG and he commented that MS owned the license and I was just agreeing with him and showing proof :D

[Giftmacher]

This has rapdily become a not BioWare MOG thread (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3911). :rolleyes:

Hehe sorry Rabbit, it's just Bioware aren't letting much on yet :D

Gift.

[Painthane]

I agree. Shadowrun for my Sega was awesome, and the PnP rpg was fun, with a cool cyberpunk style. They should use the engine from Grand Theft Auto for that game I think.

Oh, and if you're looking for a Diablo-type game, and if you haven't played it, I'd recommend "Sacred", I believe the sequel Sacred2 was at E3 this year.

[Shelby]

Mechwarrior the MMO. Again unfortunately MS holds it.

[rabb1t]

While not terribly interesting, a bit of news on the engine they will use...

Article at IGN (http://pc.ign.com/articles/724/724236p1.html)

BioWare Austin will use Simutronics' HeroEngine, a development platform for MMORPGs, in creating its inaugural title ...

This is apparently the engine created to run the Hero's Journey game.

[rabb1t]

As referenced by Spirit in his thread, 1up has an interview about the upcoming Bioware MOG.

1up Link (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3155486)

[rabb1t]

BioWare MOG to use the "SteamBase" engine (http://pc.ign.com/articles/777/777633p1.html) - This appears to be the method that Steam created for updating their game clients.

[JesperX]

If I could be stoked about netcode and data management, I would be. Looks like they're doing the right thing and trying to focus their efforts on really doing something above and beyond the current gen of medicore MMOs though.

[Ominous]

I like Bioware's work and am interested to see what they come up with.

[Slide]

If I could be stoked about netcode and data management, I would be. Looks like they're doing the right thing and trying to focus their efforts on really doing something above and beyond the current gen of medicore MMOs though.

Much maligned around here, but Guild Wars really set the bar for patch management hope to see Bioware do something as good - although this Streambase seems to be for a different task.

[Honor Woods]

BioWare MOG to use the "SteamBase" engine (http://pc.ign.com/articles/777/777633p1.html) - This appears to be the method that Steam created for updating their game clients.

Guess the Hero Engine is still vaporware... Huh?

[rhagz]

http://www.play.net/hj/ would beg to differ.

[Derf]

So many hopes, so little information. Could this be another WoW in the waiting? A company makes solid, fun single/multiplayer games then creates a MMO. Will history repeat itself?

[rabb1t]

So many hopes, so little information. Could this be another WoW in the waiting? A company makes solid, fun single/multiplayer games then creates a MMO. Will history repeat itself?

No clue where you are getting this from Derf? Did you read the 1up article? BioWare are doing some really cool things with the MOG.

Again peeps, try and keep this BioWare MOG related. If ya want to chit chat about comparisons between games, try and keep it to a minimum or take it to a different thread. We are probably looking at a couple years on this, so I'd like to keep the thread free from stuffs that may bog down the thread. Want to keep it clean so that as time goes on info is easy to find. :)

[Derf]

I think we're all looking the next 'great' game. I think there are some interesting parallels between Blizzard and Bioware, and we could very well be seeing the same thing happen with Bioware's MOG that happened with WoW. If Bioware comes up with a MOG that has even 3/4 of the playability of their other games we could be looking at the next huge MOG hit. It's too early to tell; a lot happens between announcement and actuality, but I've admired all the games I've played from Bioware and I look forward to their final product.

[Ghostwise]

Someone is making a Shadowrun Online MMORPG. (http://shadowrunmmo.com/sro/) They just need a publisher. XBOX360 and PC. Regarding someone mentioning one earlier. :)

[rabb1t]

Considering what Microsoft is doing with the licence currently I have my doubts they would let an external company produce a MOG based on that licence.

Again, guys, don't put a lot of non-BioWare mog talk here. That's why I created the "not BioWare MOG" thread. :p

Don't make me kill this one and start over because it becomes too muddied down with non-BioWare MOG posts. :cry:

If ya wana talk about something interesting brought up here, feel free to do so, but make a new thread. :D

Again, I want to keep this clean for BioWare MOG news and related talk. Going off on tangents doesn't help the thread in retaining an informative nature about the BioWare MOG. :cry:

[rhagz]

The only news is a lack of news. I don't give a flip what engine they use as long as it works well.. what I want is info on the IP!

[JesperX]

Guess the Hero Engine is still vaporware... Huh?

Uuhh- not necessarily, seeing as StreamBase is not a game engine. The word engine is very very overloaded. StreamBase is for client/server networked data management.

Seeing as Hero's Journey is well on it's way and supposed to be released some time this year, I'd imagine the engine is looking good.

[Honor Woods]

Uuhh- not necessarily, seeing as StreamBase is not a game engine. The word engine is very very overloaded. StreamBase is for client/server networked data management.

Seeing as Hero's Journey is well on it's way and supposed to be released some time this year, I'd imagine the engine is looking good.

As much as I promote it, because I loved Gemstone when I was a wee one playing it on my dad's lap (okay interfering with him playing it) Simutronics hasn't really produced much in the way of the Hero Engine or Hero's Journey yet. I'm used to "Real Soon Now" by now. :)

[fatsuprman]

as long as its not another high fantasy MOG then i'll be happy.

[rabb1t]

Woot! Finally, an update. Sadly it really doesn't tell us much.

GameSpot - BioWare MMORPG landing in 2009 (http://www.gamespot.com/news/6172473.html?tag=latestnews;title;0)

That's about it. It tells us the game is tentatively set for 2009. Well, that's something I guess, but we pretty much knew this already. :rolleyes:

[Treesong]

Thanks for the links. nice thread. :) Personally after reading the large interview, I can not get really exited. They seem to want to take the "storytelling" in MMO's to new heights which for me just means more "being led by the nose" which is not what Virtual Fantasy Worlds are for me. Storytelling does not make a Virtual Fantasy World more believable to me.

They say they want to make a believable Virtual World, but when I sell stuff to an NPC Vendor (who is apparently interested in my items and wants to sell them back to others) then the only MMO that actualy makes Vendors offer these items back to other players is EQ, which dates from '99. Not only is this believable, but it creates an entire player-driven sidegame (meta-gameplay) that ties into the Economy to boot.

They want to make NPC's believable(as opposed to pez-dispensers), but when I want to express my anger at some NPC Guildmaster that treats me like dirt, I am not alowed to attack him even if this would mean certain death.

They want to make the world believable, yet the only MMO that actually shows a certain loot-item on the mob's avatar is EQ! I remember people complaining in '99 about the fact that only weapons and handhold items would show up on the mobs avatar and not armor. But look where we are now: not a single MMO after EQ bothers with this aspect *at all* anymore.

I can't throw things on the ground in MMO's anymore. If I see something on the ground, the system meant it to be there for some purpose. As in, can only be picked up by players that are tagged to do so. Same with vendors and trainers ("you do not have the right profession"). Why the hell can't I browse the Scroll-merchant of another Class? Maybe because they did away with scrolls entirely anyway, and rather use highlights and drop-down menus?

I can not hear other players talk to NPC's anymore. Instead, they are all in "pop-up" limbo. I am pretty sure that Bioware will take that to new heights also, even though the options and paths may be more compelling.

Faction in MMO's has gone from an intricately painted Racial picture of a World in War, that would bring NPC's to life in a way so that you actually had to care about them(KoS, aggro modifiers), to grindy systems used purely for unlocking content.

Yes, this is still about the Bioware MMO. :) After Vanguard, it has become clear to me, that companies first and foremost want to follow the WoW-model, (and now LOTRO too) but with their own twist. These games are fun but have little to do with the sort of Virtual World that I am envisioning.

And here is the good part: all the things I describe above could work perfectly together with a polished, smooth, good performing Story-telling MMO. It's just that devs do not seem to bother with these details anymore. And that is probably why I nearly dislocated my jaw yesterday, yawning, after playing 90 minutes of LOTRO.

Shape up, Virtual Fantasy World builders! :goblin:

[rabb1t]

It's just that devs do not seem to bother with these details anymore. And that is probably why I nearly dislocated my jaw yesterday, yawning, after playing 90 minutes of LOTRO.

Yes and no. Most are affraid of deviating from the norm, but several games in the works are boldly taking defiant steps away from what has come before.

In order of release...
Tabula Rasa
Warhammer
The Agency
BioWare MMORPG

[rhagz]

You forgot AoC in there.

[rabb1t]

Yes and no. I can't really say for sure if they are doing anything new/innovative in terms of the quest structure. Sure, they have Die By the Sword combat, but I don't know if the quest and faction structure will be different. I haven't kept up with it in a while, but I don't recall any specific mentions that it will be different (other than full voice acting.)

[rhagz]

You should probably do a little looking into it then, it's probably more unique than of the games you have listed.. at least ones that we know details on.

[Seasiu Laitya]

I thought to myself, as I played Knights of the Old Republic 1, "You know, if SWG had been like this I'd have totally played it." I was really disapointed in how SWG turned out. I absolutely hated the pacing and style.
In what way? The dialogue and story in KotOR was OK, but the combat mechanics totally blew. As did the character control. I don't think I'd encountered such a clicking frenzy since Diablo ;) Actually, the comparison to D1 is quite accurate in terms of tactical depth as well. Certainly didn't have as much as BioWare's D&D games.

[rabb1t]

Oh sure, quote me from a year ago, like I'll remember what derailing thing we were talking about in here at that time. :p Having only played SWG in beta, I just didn't like the combat. It seemed too... easy mode I guess... you just pointed at a bad guy and clicked a button. I don't recall how far I got in terms of levels, but the different abilities and the way you built the character (the D20 system) seemed much better than the beta SWG system.

As to AoC, meh, I think I'd have a hard time getting past the Die By the Sword combat style. It just doesn't really appeal to me. Also, I have absolutely zero interest in their style of PvP and siege warfare, so the entire second half of the game probably would have very little to offer me. But, it does look like it will look and sound great being DX10 and X-Fi based. :rolleyes:

[rhagz]

As to AoC, meh, I think I'd have a hard time getting past the Die By the Sword combat style. It just doesn't really appeal to me. Also, I have absolutely zero interest in their style of PvP and siege warfare, so the entire second half of the game probably would have very little to offer me. But, it does look like it will look and sound great being DX10 and X-Fi based. :rolleyes:


Then again, the topic wasn't what appealed to you it was:


Most are affraid of deviating from the norm, but several games in the works are boldly taking defiant steps away from what has come before.

[rabb1t]

Yes and no. The broad overarching topic was on quest design and integration of quests into how the game plays. I don't think AoC will deviate from the current quest design/style in terms of how they give out quests and how they operate.

Sure, siege stuff, PvP stuff, the Die By the Sword combat is all different, but in terms of quest design, faction, and how your quest path changes due to choices you make I think those are all going to be the same as what we see now.

[Treesong]

Going forward and trying new things is fine, I just wish they would also go back to a few of the things that EQ had. That game had several seriously important Virtual World features right from the very start. In the years that followed, some of those features were considered too "freeform" , read exploitable, so they overreacted and either took those features out or cemented shut the gameplay in other ways. :mad:

But part of it is simply oversight and/or lazy programming, by converting certain features into EZmode, like the way a char can shop for it's new abilities at his trainer, instead of stocking up merchants with scrolls, Implementing a Channel skill, making a spellbook that actually looks good, and having players to first write the spells in their book, and then have them memorize them on their spellslot bar. Taking that out does not make the game more fun for me, it makes it more boring.

Also, they are so focussed on implementing an earthquake proof Economy and Player Trade, that they do not dare put a cool feature in, where merchants actually sell back the rejects of other players. Yet at the same time they flood the World with a billion Stat-weapons from level 1.

I really think that Virtual World design today is pretty one-track minded, focussed on action-systems, rather then make a world that is so rich in (small) features, that players will not get bored so quickly.

Off course my view on the matter only holds true for the hundreds of thousands that want a world like I am describing, not the millions that are happy with worlds such as WoW and Lotro.

To sum up, can't really blame the developers for doing what they are doing. Still, I think it can be done BOTH, in the same game. The things that I describe, and a smooth, fun and polished experience.

EDIT: And if you are going to "yes and no" one more time, I am going to smack you with a very large trout. :D

[Seasiu Laitya]

Going forward and trying new things is fine, I just wish they would also go back to a few of the things that EQ had. That game had several seriously important Virtual World features right from the very start. In the years that followed, some of those features were considered too "freeform" , read exploitable, so they overreacted and either took those features out or cemented shut the gameplay in other ways. :mad:
Thing is, EQ was an experiment. They didn't know what would sell, and what wouldn't. Thus they created a world with good and bad things, which is brilliant, becuase not everything should be sugar coated.

Now they know exactly what sells and what doesn't. Or they think they do. Either way, they just want more of it. Which means WoW clones from now until something outsells WoW. Then they'll copy that. That's business.

Can you imagine pitching a game like EQ of old? They'd be like "Why do you want to make a game like EQ?"
"Because EQ has changed. It's not what it used to be."
"So why did they change it?"
"To make it more appealing to more people."
"Great idea! Why do you want to make a copy of a less appealing game? Sorry. no money for you..."

I had hoped that it wasn't as black and white as that. That perhaps someone would make a game with a smaller amount of money, which would appeal to a smaller audience and still be successful. But every project I hear about seems to cost more than the last. That way, each has to be mainstream, and riddled with compromises. Compromises which destroy the sense of virtual world in favour of greater accessibility.

[Elyan]

Thing is, EQ was an experiment. They didn't know what would sell, and what wouldn't. Thus they created a world with good and bad things, which is brilliant, becuase not everything should be sugar coated.

Now they know exactly what sells and what doesn't. Or they think they do. Either way, they just want more of it. Which means WoW clones from now until something outsells WoW. Then they'll copy that. That's business.

Can you imagine pitching a game like EQ of old? They'd be like "Why do you want to make a game like EQ?"
"Because EQ has changed. It's not what it used to be."
"So why did they change it?"
"To make it more appealing to more people."
"Great idea! Why do you want to make a copy of a less appealing game? Sorry. no money for you..."

I had hoped that it wasn't as black and white as that. That perhaps someone would make a game with a smaller amount of money, which would appeal to a smaller audience and still be successful. But every project I hear about seems to cost more than the last. That way, each has to be mainstream, and riddled with compromises. Compromises which destroy the sense of virtual world in favour of greater accessibility.

I agree with that. back to the bioware subject though. I think it would be pretty cool to play in a world designed around the forgotten realms world. a lot of people seem to think it will be a sci fi theme though for some reason.

[rabb1t]

It would probably be a mistake to release another standard fantasy MMOG. They are a dime a dozen these days. They must break out of the standard mold somehow, and I doubt their innovations and the BioWare name alone would do this with a standard 'human / elf / dwarf' fantasy game.

My speculation is based on the popularity of the KoToR games, as well as all of the work and detailing they have done with Mass Effect. As I think I said early in the thread, it wouldn't surprise me if they pulled over a lot of elements from Mass Effect. (Not necessarily world elements, but game engine elements.)

Plus, they already have a single player fantasy game in the works - Dragon Age (http://dragonage.bioware.com/). Since they have no established universe, like Blizzard did with the Warcraft series, I just don't see why they'd voluntarily pick and already overpopulated genre for their MMOG.

My personal guess, if they include fantasy elements, is that it would be something where they have fantasy mixed in with Sci-Fi, maybe a Steam-Punk, or Magic-Punk, kind of setting.

I'm sure we should start getting 'real' news around the end of the year, possibly some art renderings or early screen shots / models.

[Elyan]

It would probably be a mistake to release another standard fantasy MMOG. They are a dime a dozen these days. They must break out of the standard mold somehow, and I doubt their innovations and the BioWare name alone would do this with a standard 'human / elf / dwarf' fantasy game.

My speculation is based on the popularity of the KoToR games, as well as all of the work and detailing they have done with Mass Effect. As I think I said early in the thread, it wouldn't surprise me if they pulled over a lot of elements from Mass Effect. (Not necessarily world elements, but game engine elements.)

Plus, they already have a single player fantasy game in the works - Dragon Age (http://dragonage.bioware.com/). Since they have no established universe, like Blizzard did with the Warcraft series, I just don't see why they'd voluntarily pick and already overpopulated genre for their MMOG.

My personal guess, if they include fantasy elements, is that it would be something where they have fantasy mixed in with Sci-Fi, maybe a Steam-Punk, or Magic-Punk, kind of setting.

I'm sure we should start getting 'real' news around the end of the year, possibly some art renderings or early screen shots / models.

Either way, Bioware has the potential to create something great. let us hope they do not drop the ball like Sigil. But... I think they are going with alot of new talent since they are making it at their new studio in Austin TX, so we will see eh?

[rabb1t]

Depends on what you mean by "talent".

If you mean coders and programers, as discussed in another thread, a lot of those people shift around between companies when projects end.

If you mean the "visionary people", those in charge of creating the world, the "game bible", and other elements that drive the creative force behind the game, then that would be more likely to be true.

From the previously linked articles...

1up.com (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3155486)

Some from SOE, some from BioWare Edmonton, some from other companies completely. It's not like we had to go knocking. Experienced people want to work on a product that can be successful.

BioWare Press release (http://www.bioware.com/bioware_info/press_releases/2006_03_15_Austin/)

Joining the Austin team as lead designer is James Ohlen, BioWare's Creative Director, whose previous credits include lead or co-lead design roles on Star Wars®: Knights of the Old Republic™, Neverwinter Nights™, Baldur's Gate™ and Baldur's Gate II™. Also leading the BWA team are MMO veterans Richard Vogel and Gordon Walton. Richard Vogel brings 15 years of experience to BioWare Austin, previously serving as VP of Product Development for Sony Online Entertainment's Austin studio, as well as launching Ultima Online™ as a senior producer at Origin. Gordon Walton recently served as VP, studio manager and executive producer at Sony Online Entertainment as well as VP and Executive Producer at Electronic Arts.

[akuthia]

i dont foresee another dnd based world (which forgotten realms is) dont forget, ddo is out there, and they ran a contest to get the world for it (ebberon), so i'd be highly surprised to see htem use an established world like that

I would like to see a futuristic cyper punk game, ala shadowrun

[rhagz]

That's not quite true. There was no contest to determine the world for DDO. WotC ran a contest to determine the next setting for their DnD campaigns and Ebberon and the guy who created it won. The setting was rather forced on Turbine as a way to promote the setting while at the same time giving Turbine a little freedom in creativity since not every square inch of the universe was mapped out, complete with peasant #425's eye color.

[rabb1t]

Technically the Ebberon universe was a combination of the top 2 winners (http://www.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=dnd/dx20021015x). The next down (one of the 3 finalists) was the peep who created The Order of the Stick (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0469.html).

[akuthia]

well, true,. but trhe point remains, you're not going to get an established dnd universe game.

[Ominous]

Technically the Ebberon universe was a combination of the top 2 winners (http://www.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=dnd/dx20021015x). The next down (one of the 3 finalists) was the peep who created The Order of the Stick (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0469.html).

They should've went with Rich's. I don't know what it was, but it was probably worlds better than the Final Fantasy-esque Eberron. I have been impatiently waiting for him to finish up his write-ups on how to make a campaign world.

[rhagz]

Technically the Ebberon universe was a combination of the top 2 winners (http://www.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=dnd/dx20021015x). The next down (one of the 3 finalists) was the peep who created The Order of the Stick (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0469.html).

I've never heard anyone but Baker's name associated with the setting. The article you linked simple showed the top 3 finalists.

According to WoTC: http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/eb/whatiseberron

Eberron was created by Keith Baker and developed by Bill Slavicsek and James Wyatt in a new way to address a new breed of roleplayer.

[rabb1t]

Yeah, I forgot where I saw the article, but they decided to combine the 2 worlds the top 2 peeps had, since they felt that both had good elements. It's around somewhere. I just don't recall where. :p

[rabb1t]

Gamasutra - Gordon Walton, the co-studio director at BioWare Austin, gave a packed beyond capacity speech at GDC Austin. (http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=15386)

[lomiller]

Gamasutra - Gordon Walton, the co-studio director at BioWare Austin, gave a packed beyond capacity speech at GDC Austin. (http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=15386)

I think I posted this before but it’s worth posting again because it’s intriguing.

http://www.whois.net/whois_new.cgi?d=www.falloutonline.com

(you may need to click refresh once after following the link)

[rhagz]

That domain was registered in 2003.

[lomiller]

That domain was registered in 2003.

I said it was intriguing, not proof of anything. Still I can’t see any reason for Gordon Walton to cybersquat the falloutonline domain name.

[rhagz]

I said it was intriguing, not proof of anything. Still I can’t see any reason for Gordon Walton to cybersquat the falloutonline domain name.

I'd wager they were in negotiations about the IP at one point before it was recently sold to Bethesda and he wanted to capture the name before some fanboy held it for ransom.

[Spirit]

According to Walton, another success of WOW was Blizzard's insistence on keeping system specs low.

People who have expensive powerful rigs want games that's gonna look great and sweat their gpu, otherwise what's the point of shelling out for core 2 duo's and dx10 cards? And people who have a low end rig want a game that looks good and gets as close as possible to the screenshots.

So, although what Walton said there is correct in that WoW's low spec engine enhanced WoW's success, what game designers **really** ought to be doing is working on their damn graphics engines. It needs to be scalable so it looks and performs well on both low end and high end rigs. The cutting edge hardware fans make up a tiny portion of the gaming market, so it's arguable that they can be ignored. However, if you make your engine scalable everybody's happy, and you've just ensured your game will still look good in 4 years time. EQ2 tried to go down that route but made a mess of it by totally forgetting about the majority who don't have expensive rigs. High performance mode in EQ2 meant none of the character models had faces. It was just ugly.


Even if I disagree with Walton on a few points he made, I did enjoy reading that. I get the feeling however, I will not be playing his MMO.

[rabb1t]

I'd wager they were in negotiations about the IP at one point before it was recently sold to Bethesda ...

I'm pretty sure there is discussion on that at the Fallout Wiki.

[Teiraa]

Fresh Kotor Online rumours (appeared 2007/10/19):
http://www.primotechnology.com/2007/10/19/biowares-upcoming-mmo-based-in-kotor-universe/

[rabb1t]

That's really interesting, and there has been news floating around teh Intarweb about a new SW online game.

I always said 'had SWG used the KoToR system I'd have stuck around'. I don't know if I'd want to see the exact same 'd20 system' that KoToR had with the Bioware MMOG launch when it does launch, but I do like me some Star Wars, and I have always been saying that the Bioware MMOG would probably be Sci-Fi based. :D

It will really be interesting to see what kind of character building we have and what kind of graphics they are going to target since the KoToR series was targeting console specs.

Sadly, I don't think I have my old character concept still around. I'd have to redo the flash page and everything. :eek: :p Probably better that way, since it would be better to design something as the game infos emerge.

[rabb1t]

Op, that KoToR mention may just be rumor...

Will BioWare's MMO Use The Force?
The developer says a recent KOTOR RPG rumor is just speculation. (http://pc.ign.com/articles/829/829184p1.html)

We haven't made any announcement regarding the content of our MMO and what you're seeing on the net is purely that, rumor and speculation," said BioWare spokesman Matt Atwood.

[Teiraa]

Op, that KoToR mention may just be rumor...
Yes, sure, but it is a fresh rumour :)

[rabb1t]

Yeah, too little info on the Bioware MMORPG. :cry: :cry:

[Vryce]

I expect a cancellation announcement about this MMORPG soon. EA doesn't like MMOGs.

[Teiraa]

In the news today:
LucasArts cooperates with Bioware
http://www.lucasarts.com/company/release/news20071030.html

No words about a MMORPG there, but it is pretty obvious.

[AsheMan]

In the news today:
LucasArts cooperates with Bioware
http://www.lucasarts.com/company/release/news20071030.html

No words about a MMORPG there, but it is pretty obvious.

My work computer won't allow me to read the article but a guildy was talking to me on ventrillo this weekend and was reading from an article which said Lucas Arts is taking away the Star Wars license from SOE and giving it to BioWare.

[perfect]

In the news today:
LucasArts cooperates with Bioware
http://www.lucasarts.com/company/release/news20071030.html

No words about a MMORPG there, but it is pretty obvious.

http://www.primotechnology.com/2007/10/19/biowares-upcoming-mmo-based-in-kotor-universe/

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.

[Teiraa]

http://www.primotechnology.com/2007/10/19/biowares-upcoming-mmo-based-in-kotor-universe/
http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=321700&postcount=68 :D

My last post was just to remove some still existant doubts.

[perfect]

http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=321700&postcount=68 :D

My last post was just to remove some still existant doubts.

Oh, drat, I thought I had new infoes.

[Teiraa]

My work computer won't allow me to read the article but a guildy was talking to me on ventrillo this weekend and was reading from an article which said Lucas Arts is taking away the Star Wars license from SOE and giving it to BioWare.
Here the full announcement:

Home LucasArts Press
Press Release

LucasArts and BioWare Corp. to Create Ground-Breaking Interactive Entertainment Product

SAN FRANCISCO, CA and EDMONTON, CANADA -- October 30, 2007 -- LucasArts and BioWare Corp. 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 Corp. Added Greg Zeschuk, president of BioWare Corp., "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."

To sign up for future product updates, please visit www.LucasArtsBioWare.com.

About BioWare
BioWare Corp. is an electronic entertainment company which develops computer, console, handheld and online video games focused on rich stories and memorable characters. Since 1995, BioWare has created some of the world's best-selling titles including the award-winning Baldur's Gate™ and Neverwinter Nights™ series, as well as the 2003 Game of the Year, Star Wars®: Knights of the Old Republic™. Original BioWare-created IPs include the 2005 RPG of the Year, Jade Empire™, with next-generation titles Mass Effect™ and Dragon Age™ currently in development. With studios in Edmonton, Canada, and Austin, Texas, BioWare is also hard at work on a new title for the Nintendo DS™ based on Sonic the Hedgehog, as well as several unannounced projects including a massively multiplayer online game. For more information on BioWare, visit www.bioware.com.

*BioWare, BioWare Corp., Mass Effect, Dragon Age and Jade Empire are trademarks or registered trademarks owned by BioWare Corp. in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

About LucasArts
LucasArts, a Lucasfilm Ltd. company, is a leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software worldwide for video game console systems, computers and the Internet. Based in San Francisco, Calif., as well as on the Internet at www.lucasarts.com, LucasArts was created in 1982 by George Lucas to provide an interactive element to his vision of a state-of-the-art, multifaceted entertainment company.


LucasArts and the LucasArts logo are registered trademarks of Lucasfilm Ltd.
© 2007 Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd. or Lucasfilm Ltd. & ® or ™ as indicated. All rights reserved.

[Vryce]

Maybe it's a Monkey Island MMOG! OMG!

[Slide]

Maybe it's a Monkey Island MMOG! OMG!

"Jar Jar Binks in meeza have a MMO puzzle game"

Annual roster updates.

[Vryce]

Just imagine it: PVP insult sword fights!

[Spirit]

Leeroy fights like a cow!

[Vryce]

Leeroy fights like a cow!

And it will lead to your udder destruction!

[Renekal]

"Horns down guys, lets mooOOO this!"

???

[starsailor]

"Horns down guys, lets mooOOO this!"

???

I am rubber....you are glue....

DOH!

[Renekal]

so does that mean I have a milk mustache?

[perfect]

http://kotaku.com/355808/bioware-at-work-on-a-new-kotor

Wondering what that BioWare/Lucasarts project was going to be? Oh, come on. Like you couldn't guess. During EA's analyst report earlier today, it was seemingly revealed that in addition to working on more Mass Effect, Dragon Age and a "New MMO", BioWare are also handling a new Knights of the Old Republic title. Which means that, if accurate, it's not their upcoming MMO. So, a new, straight-up RPG, then? Probably. If this is indeed correct (and we're checking with EA), your excitement glands can't possibly repel joy of this magnitude.

Read the Bioware line. I guess the current theory is that they are working on a new KotoR and a new MMO, as they are listed as two separate items.

[rabb1t]

Yeah, the dev chat I posted long ago kind of implied a standard fantasy game from the way they phrased their answers.

That's why I keep saying I hope its Sci-Fi, because many things have been pointing towards 'standard fantasy'.

I really think it would be a shame to not use the engine/tech they developed for the Mass Effect conversations. Of course, nothing would stop them from adapting that to fantasy, I just think... well... I think it would be cooler and they would have more freedom with a Sci-Fi game.

Kinda like Stargate or Firefly. You've got freedom to do super high tech, but also older stuff like Fantasy. If you go with straight up Fantasy you are kind of limited to Steam-punk, Magic-punk, or maybe Renaissance. You can't really break the mold too much or people will freak out because they are already in the Fantasy mindset.

Anyways... rambly rabb1t brain... I'm sure whatever it turns out to be will roxor my boxors. Just wish we had more news about it. Wasn't their original release target 2009? We should be seeing more solid news on it by now. I’d think, whatever it was, it should most certainly be in some early internal testing by now with the more critical systems already in place.

[Teiraa]

Read the Bioware line. I guess the current theory is that they are working on a new KotoR and a new MMO, as they are listed as two separate items.
Later Bioware representatives stated that the KotOR mentioned in the EA report refers to the already released game.
So, nothing new... :ninja:

[rabb1t]

I'm pretty sure they are working on a new KoToR game, but it isn't a MMOG.

[perfect]

I'm pretty sure they are working on a new KoToR game, but it isn't a MMOG.

Neverwinter Nights MMO. Wait a minute....

[rabb1t]

hehehe :D

Not sure how many will get that though. ;)

[rabb1t]

GameSpy - GDC 2008 - BioWare GDC Interview (http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/bioware-mmo-project/853706p1.html)

[rabb1t]

I believe this is a final confirmation...

Portfolio - EA to Play in Knights of the Old Republic (http://www.portfolio.com/views/blogs/the-tech-observer/2008/07/17/ea-to-play-in-knights-of-the-old-republic)

[rabb1t]

Another confirmation - Gamespot (http://www.gamespot.com/news/6194664.html?tag=latestnews;title;3)

I think I'll lock this thread in a bit and create a new one now that it's official and we know what it is. I'll wait for the first official news under the new title name though before doing that. ;)

[AsheMan]

I am so happy.

[rabb1t]

Old article, but one for reference: kotaku - Rumor: Ex-Lucasarts Staffer Talks KOTOR 3, More Indy, Wii Lightsaber Game (http://kotaku.com/5013769/rumor-ex+lucasarts-staffer-talks-kotor-3-more-indy-wii-lightsaber-game)

And a biggie: 1up - BioWare, LucasArts Unveiling MMO on October 21 (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3170438)

So it looks like we may get an official announcement and probably the name on the 21st. I guess at that time I'll lock this thread and start a new one with the proper name. (And reference Bioware/LucasArts.) I'll drop a pointer to here though for historical bla bla. :D

That's a shame that doesn't look like an open invite. It's close enough I could consider going. :o

[rabb1t]

Closing thread. Go to the new one (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showthread.php?p=344692) :D