LucasArts confirms Star Wars MMO

22 October 2008 17:26 GMT / By Verity Burns

LucasArts and BioWare have confirmed that a new Star Wars MMO is being developed for the PC.

Called Star Wars: The Old Republic, we've been told to expect "immersive storytelling" and "dynamic combat" and interestingly, "intelligent companion characters".

The game is set around 300 years after the events of Knights of the Old Republic, but still thousands of years before the hijinks of Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker and co.

As the war between the Old Republic and the Sith Empire divides the galaxy, it is up to you to choose which side you want to fight for, either playing as a Jedi knight or Sith lord. LucasArts and BioWare have also said there is "a variety of other classic Star Wars roles" to choose from too.

Apparently as you go through the game, you'll meer "companions" that will travel with you and fight at your side. Don't let your guard down though - these companions may betray you depending on your actions.

Speaking of the game, BioWare boss Ray Muzyka said: "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 amazing pedigree of Lucasfilm and LucasArts, and adding a brand-new fourth pillar to the equation - story."

Muzyka has also promised "all the fun features and activities that fans have come to expect in a triple-A massively multiplayer online game".

He added: "Our goal is to offer players an emotionally rewarding experience that combines the traditional elements of MMO gameplay with innovations in story and character development."

LucasArts president Darrell Rodriguez said: "For a long time, we've 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-realised online world was BioWare."

Although there has been no indication as to when we can expect to see The Old Republic released, BioWare has launched an official website with some game information and FAQs for you to read over. We'll get dates to you when we get them.