The rumoured new role-playing game draws on Dungeons and Dragons, Star Wars and World of Warcraft, and is the talk of fans of fantasy, science fiction and big online adventures. The project is said to blend character development, party-based combat, exploration and story-driven choices into one ambitious RPG experience.

Dungeons & Dragons Star Wars World of Warcraft is said to be appealing to players who love the freedom of tabletop, cinematic space adventures and huge fantasy worlds. The exact licensing deal, gameplay and platforms as well as the release date are however yet to be confirmed.

Three core RPG styles could shape the experience

Every franchise has its own approach to role playing games.

Dungeons & Dragons is famous for its flexible character creation, dice-rolling options and player-led campaigns. Star Wars has lightsabers, space travel, galactic conflict and powerful Force powers. World of Warcraft is based on big fantasy zones, unique classes, raids and dungeons, and long-term progression.

All three could make a difference in a game that blends tactical party combat, open exploration, and co-op multiplayer.

Deep Customisation May Be Part of Character Creation

The project allows players to create heroes with different classes, powers, origins and equipment.

A warrior can be a master of melee combat, while a magic user or Force-inspired character can rely on ranged powers and support abilities. Players can also choose from different factions, species or moral paths.

If this is to be a modern RPG then a strong character customisation is essential in order to give players the freedom they expect.

Story Choices May Change During Campaign

Branching decisions can be very important in a game.

Players could choose to ally with or betray factions, rescue companions, or decide how to resolve major conflicts. Your decisions affect the conclusion of the story, relationships between characters and subsequent missions.

It would feel more like a set action-adventure, than a tabletop campaign, if it had a choice-based structure.

Multiplayer could support group missions

There may be co-op missions in the game where players make a balanced party.

There could be useful alternative character roles for combat, exploration and puzzle solving. One player may deal damage, another may heal, others may deal ranged damage or crowd control.

Bigger activities could be like raids in World of Warcraft, where people need to work together and coordinate.

May Include Fantasy or Space Exploration

Another of the game’s best features could be a variety of environments.

Players journey between mediaeval kingdoms, alien worlds, ruined temples, magical cities and dangerous underground locations. Vehicles, mounts or spaceships can assist in linking different areas.

The success of the world design would be measured by whether or not these settings felt like an integrated world design, or disparate ideas shoved together.

The licensing questions are still unanswered.

Bringing these franchises together would require deals from a number of major rights holders.

Wizards of the Coast owns Dungeons & Dragons . Lucasfilm Games must approve Star Wars games . Blizzard Entertainment owns World of Warcraft . Until these companies officially announce a shared game, reports should be taken with a grain of salt.

The project could be an original RPG based on similar ideas rather than a straight licensed crossover.

Release Date To Be Announced

There is no information available about the developer, publisher, platforms, pricing and release schedule.

Until we see an official trailer, gameplay footage and store listing, players should look at the project as a rumour. Independent previews will also be key in judging combat, performance, monetisation and multiplayer quality.

Sources

• Wizards of the Coast – Official announcements and licensing information for Dungeons & Dragons.
• Lucasfilm Games – Confirmed Star Wars gaming projects and collaborations.
• World of Warcraft – Blizzard Entertainment News and Development Updates
• Xbox Wire – Gaming and platform news.
• RPG IGN previews, trailers and release coverage from IGN
• GameSpot – specialises in RPGs and big franchise games.