BioWare, a studio known for making some of the best RPGs of the past couple generations, is evidently hard at work on a brand new IP. Casey Hudson, the executive producer of the Mass Effect series, tweeted out the following info about BioWare Edmonton’s future plans:
Most of our core team that worked on SWKOTOR has been together throughout the Mass Effect series, and now our new IP project. #KOTOR10
— Casey Hudson (@CaseyDHudson) July 15, 2013
For reference, that #KOTOR10 hashtag is in celebration of the tenth anniversary since the original release of Knights of the Old Republic, an action-RPG set in the Star Wars universe that is adored by many fans the world over. Other than confirming the news of a new IP at a PAX East panel back in March, and now specifying which team within BioWare is developing it, no other information is available about the secret IP.
However, there are a few factors to consider that may help narrow it down. We already know for sure that the BioWare Montreal team is working on Dragon Age: Inquisition and the next installment in the Mass Effect series. On top of that, EA has already confirmed that BioWare is one of three teams that has begun work developing a new game set in the Star Wars universe, after EA was granted exclusive rights to developing the games by Disney. So, that’s three games already in the pipeline for BioWare. Combined with their continued support for Star Wars MMO The Old Republic, it’s unlikely the team has the time or manpower to work on a fourth AAA project, which leads me to believe this new IP could take place within the Star Wars universe.
Fans have long since clamored for a third installment in the KOTOR franchise, dismissing the MMO in favor of a traditional single-player experience. While it wouldn’t make sense to label KOTOR 3 as a new IP, that doesn’t mean BioWare can’t develop an additional Star Wars game that exists within the KOTOR universe. Still, the prospect of a brand new, original idea out of BioWare is reason enough to be excited; so even if it isn’t Star Wars related, whatever BioWare does have lined up is assuredly worth keeping an eye on. We’ll have more news on the studio’s latest project as it develops.
Are you guys excited to hear about a new IP from BioWare? Should they stick to the RPG genre, or branch out and try something different? Would you rather hear about an announcement for KOTOR 3, or does an original idea peak your interest? Let us know in the comments section, and don’t forget to like IGXPro on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or give us the ‘ol +1 on Google+. If you can’t get enough of my shenanigans, (who could blame you?) you can check me out @GamingsNirvana, or add +VinnyParisi to your circles.