Earlier this month, we had reported that BioWare and LucasArts would be making an announcement about their secret game on October 21, 2008. Well, that’s what they did! Electronic Arts’ BioWare and LucasArts have announced Star Wars: The Old Republic, which is a story-driven massively multiplayer online game for the PC platform.
Dr. Ray Muzyka is the co-founder and GM/CEO of BioWare and GM/VP of EA. He says, “Traditionally, massively multiplayer online games have been about three basic gameplay pillars, combat, exploration and character progression. In Star Wars: The Old Republic, we’re fusing BioWare’s heritage of critically-acclaimed storytelling with the astounding lineage of Lucasfilm and LucasArts, and adding a brand-new fourth pillar to the equation, story.”
He added, “At the same time, we will still deliver all the fun features and activities that fans have come to expect in a triple-A massively multiplayer online game. To top it all off, Star Wars: The Old Republic is set in a very exciting, dynamic period in the Star Wars universe.”
Darrell Rodriguez, President, LucasArts commented, “Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is the most critically acclaimed Star Wars game in LucasArts history and a fine example of our company’s interactive storytelling heritage. For a long time, we have wanted to return to the franchise in a grand way, and we felt that the best setting for it was an online world that would allow millions of people to participate in the experience together. We knew that the developer capable of working with us to deliver an engrossing story with a fully-realized online world was BioWare.”
Dr. Greg Zeschuk, Co-Founder & VP Development Operations, BioWare and VP, EA said, “Star Wars: The Old Republic is set roughly 300 years after the events of Knights of the Old Republic, a timeframe that is completely unexplored in the lore. BioWare has been able to add to the Star Wars history in developing the game’s story and has created an overarching narrative that players can enjoy, regardless of their play style. Our aim is to provide players an emotionally rewarding experience that combines the traditional elements of MMO gameplay with innovations in story and character development.”
Star Wars: The Old Republic is expected to have an innovative approach to interactive entertainment. Gamers can expect not only immersive storytelling but also intelligent companion and dynamic combat characters. Gamers will get to discover an age thousands of years before the rise of Darth Vader. This was a time when the Old Republic and the Sith Empire were at war and the galaxy was divided. Gamers can select to play as Jedi, Sith or a selection of other classic Star Wars roles. They can even partner with friends to combat enemies and overcome unbelievable challenges.
Star Wars: The Old Republic is being developed and published by BioWare and LucasArts. They have not revealed any more information about the release dates, game play and features but have promised that they will announce more details soon.