BioWare Working On New Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic Game

[Phanto]

FiringSquad (http://www.firingsquad.com/news/newsarticle.asp?searchid=19551) is reporting that KOTOR 3 is coming.
Electronic Arts held their annual Analysts Day for financial advisors (you can check out the web based audio replays of the event and check out PDFs of the presentations at EA's investors web site) and during their presentation EA execs revealed in one chart on their main PDF file that their newly acquired developer BioWare will be making a new game in the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic franchise. This new game will apparently not be an MMO title but rather something similar to the first two games in the RPG series (the first developed by BioWare, the second by Obsidian Entertainment). BioWare will also work on future games in the Mass Effect series along with their own new Dragon Age game and their currently unknown MMO title.

[JRR006]

Well, my night has been made.

[Suave Peanut]

This announcement serves to remind me that I need to finish my game of KotOR, which I began playing four years ago.

[Zabyx]

About. Fucking. Time.

[Teh Super King]

YES! Finally.. been waiting for a new KOTOR and really happy it'll be a Bioware KOTOR.

Can't wait to start hearing more about this new Kotor.

Edit: Went to the pdf file for EA and under Bioware it just list that a title they have is called KOTOR... not KOTOR3

But for Pandemic it list Mercenaries2 and how other Studios are listed with titles as "Harry Potter"

I think they are just listing that Bioware made the first KOTOR not that they are working on a new one.

[Heretic Machine]

Awesome, more mildly mediocre gameplay and completely uninspired level design.

[Lunar Blue]

Awesome, more mildly mediocre gameplay and completely uninspired level design.

Fuck that shit, I wanna turn lifelong friends against each other!

[Echani]

Hopefully they'll have time to finish this one and not release a buggy POS with a shit ending. If they manage that, exciting.

[LarsenNET]

I hope they release Sith Lords as a xbox original download soon.

[ElectricMonk]

I wonder why kotor 2 failed... was it rushed or poorly planned?

It was clearly released unfinished, it would have been interesting to see how it compared had it been ready for release.

[Deadend]

I wonder why kotor 2 failed... was it rushed or poorly planned?

It was clearly released unfinished, it would have been interesting to see how it compared had it been ready for release.

It was rushed. Didn't it come out less than a year after the first one?

And Obsidion is a designer studio, in that regard they are a bit like Mistwalker with more coders. I think they could make a great game if they had more technical staff and maybe a game engine that isn't as finicky to alterations as the Aurea engine derivatives are.

I am hoping that between Pandemic and EA someone will teach Bioware how to make a game engine that can hit 30 frames per second on a square room with metal wall textures.

[codswallop]

I wonder why kotor 2 failed... was it rushed or poorly planned?
IIRC, Obsidian were given a deadline (realistic or otherwise, not sure) and even though the game wasn't ready, it shipped.

Apparently an entire extra planet was on the game disc. I do remember thinking "that was it?" on the last planet when I finished it.

[Johan]

I'm looking forward to it. Very much so.

[Rogue_hunter]

I wonder why kotor 2 failed... was it rushed or poorly planned?

It was clearly released unfinished, it would have been interesting to see how it compared had it been ready for release.

It was due to the game being rushed to capitalize on the popularity. I hate how much of the content is actually still there, files on the disc, including more conversations and level assets for the robot factory world. It also sucked that the CG cutscenes were all 480i on KotOR2, but were something like 720p, and also much better, in KotOR.

[Generation ABXY]

I know a lot of people who will be pleased to hear this. Me? I've never tried either one, and the third probably won't change that unless it looks to be something truly exceptional.

[Everlost_MI]

Happy days. I just started Mass Effect and I love it. I am a HUUUUGE KOTOR fan, 2 wasn't the best but I still enjoyed it.

Wow - best VD present I got. The last one needed penicillin for me to be able to urinate correctly.

[Johan]

Wow - best VD present I got.

VD is a gift now, eh? ;) The gift that keeps on giving! Say "I love you" with an STD!

I know...Valentine's Day. I know...

[Generation ABXY]

Happy days. I just started Mass Effect and I love it. I am a HUUUUGE KOTOR fan, 2 wasn't the best but I still enjoyed it.

Wow - best VD present I got. The last one needed penicillin for me to be able to urinate correctly.

O.o
I must have missed something...n/m, Johan revealed it.

[Codicier]

Fantastic. New KOTOR is not surprising, what's fantastic is that it isn't going to be an MMO.

Very happy to hear this.

[Spigot]

KOTOR 3 - Now with the Force Unleashed engine.

You know you want it.

[Disgustipated]

FUCK YES!!!!!!!!

This is gonna be AWESOME!!!!!!!!

[Everlost_MI]

VD is a gift now, eh? ;) The gift that keeps on giving! Say "I love you" with an STD!

I know...Valentine's Day. I know...


It's not love if it doesn't itch, burn, irritate, have a colored discharge or causes mass amounts of loss (your mileage may vary on what the loss is).

As a good friend of mine would say, " I am not bitter, jaded or cynical. Just realistic." - Ray Pasado.

Back on topic, I wonder how long we must wait for this? Or if they will release it in conjunction with the new Clone Wars movie/series?

[inmostlight]

It was due to the game being rushed to capitalize on the popularity. I hate how much of the content is actually still there, files on the disc, including more conversations and level assets for the robot factory world. It also sucked that the CG cutscenes were all 480i on KotOR2, but were something like 720p, and also much better, in KotOR.

Not just the popularity, it was rushed for the holidays. Release date was December 4 according to Wikipedia. From all the text "hidden" on the disc, I really think even only another 4-6 weeks could have made it a much better game and corrected many of the big problems with the final act.

Delayed games suck, but KotOR2 is one of the prime examples where I would have rather waited for that extra spit and polish.

[bean19]

I hope that the MMO down in Austin is still about Star Wars (and in this setting where everyone can be a Jedi).

[karak]

FUCK YES!!!!!!!!

This is gonna be AWESOME!!!!!!!!

Please quit reading my mind:)
I agree
Amazing news

[JTastic42]

Wow, this was great timing. I was just talking to my roommate who had never played KotOR before, and got him to start playing it tonight. Then I read this announcement. To me, it's a sign.

[StGeorge]

Holy cow, I think the entire industry just got caught with their pants down... that slide (#16) is just showing what franchises belong to their studios... IT SAYS NOTHING ABOUT A NEW KOTOR! In fact, there is an earlier slide (#4) which shows exactly what their upcoming games schedule is and KOTOR is not on that list!

Waiting for the correction from EA...

[Camel]

No objections from me if a new KOTOR game is coming out. I loved the first one, to the point that I actually stopped playing Mass Effect (I am having a lot of trouble getting into ME, I'll have to try again some other time) to go back to it.

[CES]

FUCK YES!!!!!!!!

This is gonna be AWESOME!!!!!!!!

Seconded. Two more epic Bioware RPG's coming up, oh great joy.

[das_uberwaffen]

I am pleased.

I'm glad they'll get a chance to finish up this storyline that is left dangling on a hook at the end of KotOR 2. I wonder if they'll tie it up with any of the other KotOR storylines going on right now, like the comic book.

[thesilentdeath]

FUCK YES!!!!!!!!

This is gonna be AWESOME!!!!!!!!

Exactly what I said but it sounded more like a little girl squealing.

[Metal Jesus]

Awesome! I can't freakin' wait. :P

[Church42]

Dear Bioware,

Please do the following:

1. Enough with the same 2 droids. I hardly used either and I don't really get the humor of HK-47...just eliminate both.
2. In relation to #1, please just overall reduce the # of playable characters. I'd rather have a deeper connection to less but more kickass characters than many blah characters.
3. How about a trip somewhere other than Korriban & Dantooine?
4. Do something to improve the skill system

Don't get me wrong folks, I loved KOTOR and I really liked KOTOR2 despite some of the drawbacks...but the series could use some changes.

[pearle]

I'm gonna be really irritated if this turns out to be false or if the KoTOR game ends up being another MMO.

Don't toy with me like this! It's cruel.

[tombofsoldier]

This + ME 2 = Daaance daance wahoo:cool:

[FreezaSama]

I'd love to see a new KoTOR as well, but Chris Priestly over at the Bioware forums kinda shot it down today.



Hi folks

This seems to be much ado about nothing (to quote the bard). This was a slide that EA used to show the pedigree of the different studios to investors. That is why you see games that have already been released (like KotOR, Black, Boogie and others) mentioned on the slide.

Why was this closed, opened, edited, etc? Well, I wanted to find out the real info on this. Both Henley and Brian tried to help out, but I used my Almost-Godlike SuperCosmicPowers to keep things open till I could get teh real answer for you.

Now that we all know what this is, the thread can be closed. Thanks.

Source (http://forums.bioware.com/forums/viewtopic.html?topic=617567&forum=22&sp=45)

[Kagger]

Dear Bioware,

Please do the following:

1. Enough with the same 2 droids. I hardly used either and I don't really get the humor of HK-47...just eliminate both.
2. In relation to #1, please just overall reduce the # of playable characters. I'd rather have a deeper connection to less but more kickass characters than many blah characters.
3. How about a trip somewhere other than Korriban & Dantooine?
4. Do something to improve the skill system

Don't get me wrong folks, I loved KOTOR and I really liked KOTOR2 despite some of the drawbacks...but the series could use some changes.

While I agree on the Astromech, HK-47 was brilliant. A third game might be too much, maybe a Cameo. Just an anti-human droid. I love how Dwight on the office speaks like him.

[Spigot]

I'd love to see a new KoTOR as well, but Chris Priestly over at the Bioware forums kinda shot it down today.
Source (http://forums.bioware.com/forums/viewtopic.html?topic=617567&forum=22&sp=45)Don't crush our feeble little dreams with your 'sources'!

[Suave Peanut]

Cue the Darth Vader "NNnnOOOOO" pic in 3... 2...

[FreezaSama]

Cue the Darth Vader "NNnnOOOOO" pic in 3... 2...

There's always the possibility they're making it, and just don't wanna tell anyone. Gotta keep hope alive, man.

[Spooky]

Exactly what I said but it sounded more like a little girl squealing.

GLORIOUS news. I cannot wait for a new KOTOR and I'm extremely pleased its being made by Bioware.

[Wolvie]

*looks at thread title*

*ahem*

WOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!

[Norse]

I loved Kotor to death. This is the most awesome news. Instant buy!

[FreezaSama]

I loved Kotor to death. This is the most awesome news. Instant buy!

Except for the fact that they don't actually seem to be making it, and this is being blown way out of proportion.

[asimonk]

Well its Wednesday and that means its Happy Hour(s) night for me.

So forgive my rant, its only a combination of alcohol and destroyed childhood dreams...

I recall a time when Star Wars was good and pure. I had just seen Return of the Jedi in theaters and being only 5, no fully understanding a damn bit of it. Nonetheless, it was awesome. I played with my brother's Star Wars toys until I broke the head off of his Bobba Fett. Nonetheless, Star Wars represented everything good in the world.

It had good guys saving the day, bad guys getting what they deserved. Heart. Emotion. And so forth.

Fast forward many years. At this point, all of the pc games, Tie Fighter, Dark Forces, etc, were amazing. They built on the universe. They provided hope that awesomeness could be continued.

Then I saw Episode One.

It was like my childhood, nay, my innocence, was lured into a conversion van with no windows, only to leave a few hours later shattered and scared. It was like finding out that Santa Claus was real; only that he killed my parents in front of me, then fucked their corpses. With the Easter Bunny.

From that day forth I vowed never, ever, to give George Lucas another dollar of my money until he personally apologized for literally sodomizing my childhood*. I saw Episodes Shitty and Shittier at friend's houses, only reinforcing my pledge. I missed out on pretty much every game since Dark Forces 2. That I regret; but we have to have some standards. There has to be some principle in this world.

I am not excited. All I feel is cold. Cold and dead.

*The one caveat was the hope that a new Indiana Jones movie would be made with Spielberg at the helm. I actually never thought I would see the day

[LionEyez]

I actually enjoyed KOTOR 2 more. 1 wasn't as much fun knowing the basic storyline.

And, did people notice that KOTOR 3 has in fact not been confirmed at all?

[TrackZero]

Ummmm......pffft. Oh, I don't know, shouldn't they be, just maybe, working on FUCKING MASS EFFECT TWO AND THREE?!?!?!

Edit: Oh good, it's fake. Phew, now get back to working on the Mass Effect Trilogy you slackers!

[TrackZero]

About. Fucking. Time.

Oh please, if I can wait 10+ years for the glimmer of hope of another quest for glory game or a full throttle sequel, you can handle 3 measly ones for another KOTOR sequel.

[Karragasch]

Remember who owns biowares ass now!
No Chance Electronic Arts will miss the opportunity to milk the Star wars License until theres only rancid blood dripping from this soon to be dead cash cows rotten udder.

I'll pass.

[Kwatsu]

Shame it's a no-go, but yeah - gives them more time to work on Mass Effect and the other million things they've got going on.

[Loganrapp]

I was actually hoping for the Star Wars MMO done by BioWare. Kinda disappointed, actually.

[[Jez]]

Oh please, if I can wait 10+ years for the glimmer of hope of another quest for glory game or a full throttle sequel, you can handle 3 measly ones for another KOTOR sequel.

Is another quest for glory planned or are you talking about five?

[Oddmaker]

Pretty much confirms it: http://shacknews.com/onearticle.x/51314

but.. "are not necessarily under development at this time."

hehe ;)

[drakkarim]

i was very aggravated by the combat style in KOTOR1, so much so that i never finished the game, and never even bothered with KOTOR2, i hope they change things for KOTOR3...

that aside, since they announced they're doing Mass Effect for the PC now, i'm holding off on all future ME 360 purchases and waiting for the better PC versions.

[asimonk]

Remember who owns biowares ass now!
No Chance Electronic Arts will miss the opportunity to milk the Star wars License until theres only rancid blood dripping from this soon to be dead cash cows rotten udder.

I'll pass.

Sorry to burst your bubble, George Lucas has already done that.

[Phanto]

I wonder why kotor 2 failed... was it rushed or poorly planned?

It was clearly released unfinished, it would have been interesting to see how it compared had it been ready for release.

The developer was Obsidian Entertainment not Bioware so yes the game was poorly made, just like Neverwinter Nights 2 sadly..

This announcement serves to remind me that I need to finish my game of KotOR, which I began playing four years ago.

Same dam thing here :p.

[Virtuoso]

Remember who owns biowares ass now!
No Chance Electronic Arts will miss the opportunity to milk the Star wars License until theres only rancid blood dripping from this soon to be dead cash cows rotten udder.

I'll pass.

You do realize that you don't know what the fuck you are talking about, right?

[drakkarim]

The developer was Obsidian Entertainment not Bioware so yes the game was poorly made, just like Neverwinter Nights 2 sadly..


i too found NWN2 to be 'lacking', didn't bother with the expansion, or the upcoming one.

i'm not sure what i found to be lacking though, perhaps that feeling that it was exactly the same as the original (which i loved), but for some reason i was expecting 'more'. maybe they sold me on it being 'more', or maybe i just 'wanted' it to be more, or 'assumed' it would be, don't know. at the end i was just left with a 'meh' and sold it.

[WaltJay]

This is great news. I played the crap out of KOTOR, but couldn't get into KOTOR 2. I don't know if I had KOTOR burnout or what, but I didn't get far in the sequel.

[FearTheReaper]

Hell yeah !

Now all i need is Team Gizka to finish up the KOTOR II restoration mod, and life will be good.

[GigaFuzz]

Someone needs to update the original post.

[bean19]

Someone needs to update the original post.

With what information?

[Dukefrukem]

This announcement serves to remind me that I need to finish my game of KotOR, which I began playing four years ago.

LOL! Me too. I started it so long ago.

[Spigot]

With what information?That it has basically been debunked (see Freezasama's posts).

[Mephistopheles]

These are not the EA Trax you're looking for. Move along.

As an aside...

EA execs revealed in one chart on their main PDF file that their newly acquired developer BioWare

This still almost makes me want to grow my fringe so I can wear it long over one eye, dye my hair black, and post videos on Youtube about how I'm going to self-mutilate right now, or maybe tomorrow, or next week, but definitely at some point in the future.

I'm seriously hoping EA hold true to this supposed new direction of not molesting acquired developers and letting them play with themselves in privacy.

[X Marks the Spot]

This announcement serves to remind me that I need to finish my game of KotOR, which I began playing four years ago.

How dare you!

I am so excited. I've been a fan of Bio since the 2D Baldur's Gate games on the PC. The original KotOR is definitely in my top five. Thank you Bioware!



p.s. first post :D

[GAThrawn]

This exciting news. I really love KOTOR I. This pleases me greatly.

[Oddmaker]

http://www.games.tiscali.cz/clanek/screen.asp?id=12679

hmm?