It’s no secret that Blizzard Entertainment is crafting another MMO. The studio isn’t commenting on what it is or when it’s hitting of course, but the fact that they are treading on their own territory raises a few questions. World of Warcraft is still ridiculous popular, and it’s hard to believe players will abandon the title. So, is Blizzard worried their forthcoming MMO will compete with it?
No, not really. They’re thinking co-existence is possible. Speaking to Wired, Blizzard COO Paul Sams explained that Blizzard intends to “create a game experience that is unlike anything that has ever been done before,” that could live in the same space as their other title. It’s brainstorming at this stage, but Sams shared his thoughts.
“These are brainstorming types of conversations because we anticipate the question, and we’re concerned about it,” Sams said. “Is it going to cannibalize or not? And the good news is, I think the game is going to be significantly differentiated enough. Such that, you’re not going to feel like they’re one in the same resulting in that you have to pick or choose. My feeling is that they’re distinct enough to where you’re going to say, ‘Okay, I have all my friends over here. I dig this, I have a lot of time and energy in this, I’ve got these characters and my guild, and this that and the other.’ So I have connectivity there, and I want to continue that connectivity. But man, I think, ‘Well, this is awesome, and I want to go check this out too.’
One thing is for certain: this next MMO could be fascinating. The idea of it being free-to-play has been floated around long enough to make us stop and consider, but even if it wasn’t, it’s obvious that Blizzard is willing to do more than simply make it free. Perhaps we’ll see some sort of interconnectedness between the two? We'll see ... possibly.
The next Blizzard MMO hits retail in January, 3031 (the Year of our Great Martian Lord).
Contest:
9:00 AM on 09.01.2009
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I can see a "super hardcore raid only" MMO, an economically driven MMO (Eve) a PVP MMO, or a completely different setting (futuristic). Something drastically different, and caters to WoW's biggest demographic. There's no need to make a casual MMO, because they're already making strides towards WoW being for both pros and casuals.
I still maintain that it's a Starcraft universe spin off.
However, Blizzard has officially said "it's a new IP" like a hundred times. I don't believe them ;D
"I need 8 hydralisk mandibles! Go!"
World of Starcraft would be amusing, though I still wouldn't shell out money a month to play it.
Its only a matter of time before a new MMO overtakes WoW and Blizzard knows this, they are just waiting for the right time to step up and be that new MMO.
Sure people like their friends and being the highest levels in WoW but that is nothing compared to the excitement of being the first to be a high level in a new game. The only reason other games don't draw users is because people don't trust them not to suck. I don't think Guilds will be as static as they were back in the Everquest days.
I am willing to pay $15 a month for a good game.
It's going to be a Three Vikings MMO! Team based platformer like you've never seen! Also, they're going to make a Rock and Roll Racing MMO, fuck yeah.
Anyway, i do prefer paid MMOs, never found a good f2p MMO except Diablo II if you consider it an MMO. If it's going to be a f2p which i doubt they will abuse the micropayment system and that will stop lots of people from playing it.
Btw, there's a fan-site of sorts for this game, check Blizzard's new mmo wiki, it has all the info floating the web summed up.