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Several sites, including iconic Penny Arcade, Kotaku, and GameSpot are reporting on a rumor of more changes for the Star Wars MMO, Galaxies. Though labeled as an "absolutely unfounded" rumor, much speculation surrounds the future of the Star Wars license, and SOE's ability to hold onto it.
Given Galaxies' bumpy ride, and the fact that many game contracts expire after three years, it is not inconceivable that LucasArts, holder of all Star Wars rights, might want to shop around the license. According to informed sources in the industry, that's exactly what the company is doing. Two shops have been mentioned as talking with LucasArts--Cryptic Studios, home to MMORPG City of Heroes, and Canada-based BioWare, maker of the action RPG Jade Empire.
Of the two, BioWare appears the more likely candidate. Besides the fact it developed the critically acclaimed and wildly popular Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, the developer just founded a new studio in Austin, Texas--home of SOE's Austin branch--which employs several ex-SOE staffers. The shop's sole project is an unidentified MMORPG set in a science fiction universe, just as Star Wars: Galaxies is.
It could be that SOE will maintain the Star Wars license. It's possible that LucasArts is shopping for a new developer to take over the reins, or for one to create an entirely new, separate MMO in the Star Wars universe. We will certainly post any new information as soon as it becomes available. |
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