It looks like a new western MMORPG with a large fantasy license behind it could be emerging. Some indications suggest that Cryptic Studios (Star Trek Online, Neverwinter) is working on a Magic: The Gathering MMO.
It is not official, but there are two clues floating around that say “New Magic: The Gathering MMORPG.”
Two clues fit well together and point to a Magic MMORPG
This rumor is fed by two sources that a user on NeoGaf has compiled.
Source 1 is a statement from Hasbro from January 2017. They say, “We want to release digital versions of our games – a reimagining.” As an example, they mention: How about throwing fireballs as a Planeswalker in an MMO?
Source 2: Is a job listing from Cryptic Studios on Gamasutra, seeking an Art Director, to develop the “next game of a generally acclaimed fantasy brand.” All we know about the project is that it is “Top Secret” and represents Cryptic Studios’ attempt to push the boundaries of traditional MMORPGs. It runs under the title “Save the World, Be a Champion”.
Some believe and hope that it could be Magic: The Gathering that is being developed by Cryptic Studios. The brand likely has enough power. Magic: The Gathering is a well-known trading card game that has existed since 1993. Some novels have also been published that take place in this world.
In computer games, Magic never had a big breakthrough – many consider Blizzard’s successful online card game “Hearthstone” a simplified Magic: The Gathering. Hearthstone has earned a fortune since its release.
Many questions remain – MMO or MMORPG?
Ultimately, it is not yet certain whether it will indeed turn out to be a) an MMO and whether b) it could really be “Magic: The Gathering.” And even if a) and b) are true, there would still be the question c) whether it has anything to do with a card game and whether the mechanics are reflected in the game or if it is a classic fantasy MMORPG that “only” caters to the background of Magic: The Gathering.
Cryptic Studios could use a hit
Cryptic Studios could certainly use some fresh blood. City of Heroes was shut down a few years ago.
Currently, they have two somewhat aging MMORPGs, Star Trek Online and Champions Online, which they are just keeping afloat. Their other game “Neverwinter” is doing quite well and is constantly being developed, as we know.
If this really happens and Cryptic Studios puts money into it, we could be looking at the first new western AAA MMORPG since 2014. Back then, the unfortunate WildStar launched:
