Speculation: The Future of BioWare and LucasArts

IGN has an article dedicated to speculation about what the BioWare and LucasArts project could be. Though another Knights of the Old Republic of some kind is the most popular choice, they name some other interesting possibilities.

So, in the interest of stirring up the hornet’s nest, let’s speculate on what the LucasArts project could be!

Knights of the Old Republic III

Gamers have been asking for this one for quite some time. While KOTOR II was well enough received, there has been some sentiment in the KOTOR community that Obsidian wasn’t quite up to the task of following up the original and were hoping BioWare would be tapped for the next sequel, which many considered to be a foregone conclusion.

With two projects unannounced coming out of BioWare, it’s also probable that the newly announced game is the “next-gen game” listed on their site. We’re guessing that if the MMO was, in fact, a LucasArts property that Lucas wouldn’t have permitted such an early leak unless this is a multi-sectional PR attack to get people excited bit by bit.

Knights of the Old Republic Online

The release of Star Wars Galaxies was a disappointment. While there were plenty of people playing upon release, it was not, in general, what the Star Wars and/or gaming community was necessarily hoping for. After years of rocky production and gameplay changes, the Galaxies audience has shrunk to a dedicated few. Lucas employees have mentioned in the past that thought of another Star Wars online game had not been abandoned, though no confirmation was given aside from that passing remark.

So as not to run into problems with the current state of affairs in the Star Wars universe, the Knights of the Old Republic setting makes a perfect kind of sense. There were plenty of Jedi, both Dark, Light, and Grey back then. There was plenty of conflict in the galaxy with plenty of opportunity to explore. The universe that far back is relatively untapped which could provide a huge opportunity for world creation. There is plenty of lore with both Knights of the Old Republic and the sequel to build on and create an even richer history to one of the most successful and cherished properties in entertainment.

Indiana Jones RPG

It’s also, possible, though highly unlikely given that Lucas has their own Indiana Jones game in production, that BioWare has been given the task of creating a whole new RPG system for the Indiana Jones property. With the new movie releasing next year, it’s conceivable that Lucas is looking to capitalize as much as possible on the license while it’s still fresh in everyone’s mind. Frankly, this announcement would shock the hell out of us.

Completely New IP RPG or MMO

It’s also very plausible that Lucas and BioWare have teamed up to do something entirely new. There have been some in this office to suggest that had it been a game in a big existing Lucas license that they would have been more than happy to announce the game and begin beating their chests about how great it’s going to be. The game is apparently really innovative and neat-o (not their exact words) so it may, in fact, be something entirely new. I’m sure Star Wars and KOTOR fans specifically would have a good groan if it wasn’t in that universe, but it’s certainly not out of the realm of possibility.

Maniac Mansion MMO

Do it.

Spotted on RPGWatch.