LucasArts and BioWare's next venture will be STAR WARS: THE OLD REPUBLIC, a story-driven massively multiplayer online PC game set in the timeframe of the STAR WARS: KNIGHTS OF THE OLD REPUBLIC franchise.
STAR WARS: THE OLD REPUBLIC, being developed and published by BioWare and LucasArts, will feature immersive storytelling, dynamic combat and intelligent companion characters.
In STAR WARS: THE OLD REPUBLIC, players will explore an age thousands of years before the rise of Darth Vader when war between the Old Republic and the Sith Empire divides the galaxy. Players can choose to play as Jedi, Sith, or a variety of other classic STAR WARS roles, defining their personal story and determining their path down the light or dark side of the Force. Along the way, players will befriend courageous companions who will fight at their side or possibly betray them, based on the players' actions. Players can also choose to team up with friends to battle enemies and overcome incredible challenges using dynamic STAR WARS combat.
"STAR WARS: KNIGHTS OF THE OLD REPUBLIC is the most critically acclaimed STAR WARS game in LucasArts history and a preeminent example of our company's interactive storytelling heritage," said Darrell Rodriguez, President of LucasArts. "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-realized online world was BioWare."
"Traditionally, massively multiplayer online games have been about three basic gameplay pillars: combat, exploration and character progression," said Dr. Ray Muzyka, Co-Founder and GM/CEO of BioWare and GM/VP of Electronic Arts, "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."
Added Dr. Greg Zeschuk, Co-Founder and VP Development Operations, BioWare and VP, Electronic Arts, "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 goal is to offer players an emotionally rewarding experience that combines the traditional elements of MMO gameplay with innovations in story and character development."
Additional details on STAR WARS: THE OLD REPUBLIC features, gameplay and release date will be announced at a later time. For more information about STAR WARS: THE OLD REPUBLIC and to sign up for future product updates, visit www.StarWarsTheOldRepublic.com.
