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LOTR, Trek and Pirates go MMORPG
Though “The Matrix Online” has continued to struggle since its release earlier this year, it hasn’t stopped licensees of noted Hollywood successes from lining up to take the MMORPG plunge. (That’s “Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games” for you newbies out there. And if you don’t know what a “newbie” is, well, you are one.)
George Lucas’ gang hit the Net two years ago with “Star Wars: Galaxies,” utilizing new content from this summer’s “Episode III” to create an expansion, “Rage of the Wookies.” (Those wookies are always upset about something, it seems.)
Among others expected to launch in 2006:
• Though technically based on the literary licenses of Mr. Tolkien and not the movies, “The Lord of the Rings” Online nonetheless will hope to piggyback on the success of the recent films.
Chances for success? Somewhat limited, mainly because of the already-crowded marketplace for sword-and-sorcery titles. (It’s a marketplace about to get even more crowded with the forthcoming “Dungeons and Dragons Online,” in November and “Conan The Barbarian Online” in 2006.) Not being able to capitalize on the movie’s images will probably cost ‘em some Viggo-obsessed gamers, too.
• “Star Trek Online” — a game set, by the way, after the last “Trek” movie, “Nemesis” — is slated to debut first quarter of next year, and promises Trekkies, er, Trekkers, er … whatever … a chance to join Starfleet and work their way up the ranks.
While it appears you won’t have to join a crew to play the game, it’s probably a good idea.
Chances for success? Pretty good. They’ve got a built-in fan base that currently can’t turn to the television for their Federation Fix. There’s already a huge number of these people belonging to “crews” of their own via their intricate fan clubs. Offering a tactile (if imaginary) manifestation of these ships should be like crack to these people.
• Perhaps the least-likely of titles, “Pirates of the Caribbean Online” is supposed to be released by Disney next summer … to coincide with the release of the sequel to the 2003 hit film.
As Disney itself describes it, “POTC” will be realized “as a world of high seas action and adventure where players will personalize their own pirate character and organize with other players to form a pirate crew. Players will then embark on swashbuckling missions to battle both each other and the evil, undead pirates of the high seas in an effort to become the Caribbean’s most legendary pirate.”
Chances for success? Decent. This has “movie promotional gimmick” written all over it, so I’m not sure whether Disney’s going for the same sort of depth and immersion that the “Star Trek” folks have in mind. They might have a softer version of “success,” as a result.
Pirate fans might just wait for the upcoming “Pirates of the Burning Sea” MMORPG, which won MMORPG.com’s “Best Graphics” award at E3 this year.
Reader comment challenge: What movie or TV franchise should be a MMORPG, but isn’t yet? Include details.
Comments
By tdt
August 22, 2005 09:36 PM | Link to this
How about "Sopranos?" Or even "Godfather" if EA wants to expand on its franchise.
Work you way up from thug, to lieutenant to Capo. Might even be able to work some gambling stuff (poker?) in there to keep it interesting. Earn in-game money, then gamble it to make more. Avoid the FBI and rival gangs.