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While most MMOs remain content to eke out a decent existence in WoW's shadow, EA's not making any bones about its main target for TOR's Death Star cannon. For BioWare's latest, it's WoW or bust. So, how do you take down the biggest kid on the playground? Well, probably avoid the tag “Grocery Store Simulator,” for one.
"When I play World of Warcraft, you go and get your quests, and you go and do your quests, but it feels more like doing a shopping list at times," EA Games boss Frank Gibeau told IndustryGamers. "[Our game] is more about talking to characters, learning what’s going on, investing in it, getting emotionally attached to it.”
“There are things that they do that are spectacular, and that we’ve taken lessons from. They will feel familiar to players. You’re going to come into a Star Wars environment in a Star Wars IP, a Star Wars adventure. You’re going to be coming into a BioWare story. It’s the first time an MMO has actually had a story," he said.
Granted, World of Warcraft may – at the end of the day – still be a level/loot treadmill, but after Cataclysm, that treadmill's covered in bells, whistles, and totally rad flame decals (they make you go faster, understand). Can The Old Republic go toe-to-toe with years of experience and a rejuvenated questing system? Actually don't answer that. But do go ahead and pass us the popcorn.
Comments are closed on this article
IrishTR
March 20, 2011 at 8:26pm
Earth and Beyond a former EA MMO (actually Westwood Studios - EA absorbed!) had a great story... Until EA decided to pull off the Development to and move them to the SIMS!
But ya there use to be MMORPGs with Story... well before this, I do hope it advances, but I dont trust anything EA is behind in the MMO world as they destroy it then shut the servers down. Shame though BioWare's got the talent to do it, unfortunately EA pulls their strings!
Eoraptor
March 18, 2011 at 11:27am
Well, the fact that they were originally called MMORPG, and now are just MMOs, should tell you how far the idea of telling a story has slipped down the list of priorities in the industry. It's all about who can mine for fish the best. Makes old school nerds like me cry; maybe this can turn things around a bit, because that's pretty much the main reason I don't play online.
bling581
March 18, 2011 at 10:04am
I have high expectations for this game and I think that they will deliver. BioWare is an incredible game developer and every game I've purchased over the years has been of high quality. They definately know how to write a game with a story. Along with KOTOR, Dragon Age and Mass Effect are very in depth and have a ton of replay value.
The real challenge is not WoW, it's Blizzard's upcoming MMO that they should worry about. It's a long ways from release so hopefully they can evolve enough to keep people interested.
ScoopsterRi
March 18, 2011 at 6:33am
Errrr.. first MMO with a story? Wouldn't have be Final Fantasy XI?
Plutoxin
March 18, 2011 at 1:16am
Maybe he's right, there's never been an MMO with an involved story. Now back to the Lord of the Rings Online for me... wait a minute.
Jelson
March 18, 2011 at 8:52am
My thoughts exactly,............. and a much better game I must add.
