Whilst Sony and LucasArts’ first collaboration, Star Wars Galaxies, may have ultimately failed to compete in the crowded traditional MMO space, rumours are suggesting that the two companies are to team up once again – this time for a casual MMO based on the famous adventure franchise.
TenTonHammer claims to have confirmation that Sony Online Entertainment is already working with LucasArts on a new MMO based on the animated Clone Wars arm of the series. The title is likely to be browser-based and free-to-play.
The new partnership may in part be thanks to SOE’s recent success with casual MMO Free Realms, which has enjoyed a staggering uptake and is currently turning heads in the MMO sector.
Star Wars, too, is an obvious franchise to take to the casual market.
The success of the LEGO Star Wars series demonstrates its appeal to the younger demographic. What Traveller’s Tales also managed with its title, however, was to craft a game that appealed to the hardcore as well as the casual player – SOE will have its work cut out to replicate that success.
If true, The Clone Wars will be the second Star Wars MMO aiming to plug the gap left by Galaxies. BioWare is currently working away at Star Wars: The Old Republic, an MMO title based on the studio’s successful offline RPG Knights of the Old Republic.