What Franchise Would You Like Made Into An MMO?

Written by: (Twitter @richieprocopio - ) | February 5, 2013 11:27 am
74 Comments

As MMO popularity continues to increase, we’re seeing more and more popular franchises and intellectual properties being converted into persistent world video games. Sometimes these projects are met with cheers from rabid fans and other times adding the world “online” to end of a title is the kiss of death.

We’ve seen books get the MMO treatment in games like Lord of the Rings Online, while comic books have inspired DC Universe Online and other titles. Popular television shows and movies are also common conversions to online games as we’ve seen with Star Trek Online, Star Wars Galaxies, and Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Another popular source of MMO titles is taking existing video game franchises, dressing them up, and setting them loose into the MMO jungle. World of Warcraft spawned from the popular Warcraft real-time strategy series. Ultima Online was one of the earliest success stories bringing over fans from the classic RPG series of the same name. The Elder Scrolls Online will make its debut this year (unless it gets pushed back), giving fans of the series a chance to explore the lands of Tamriel with friends by their side for the first time.

In today’s episode of Chat Bubbles, I want to know what franchise would you like to see turned into an MMO video game. For the purposes of this conversation, let’s assume the quality of the game will be quite good and is successful overall. I think gamers would be afraid to see some of their beloved franchises converted into an MMO, because they fear the game won’t live up to expectations.

As I explain in the video above, the two franchises I’d like to see made into an MMO are Firefly (for obvious reasons) and Krull. If you haven’t seen or heard of Krull, find the movie and watch it. It’s an amazing old school fantasy flick with lots of great ideas and doesn’t get caught in the normal fantasy tropes of elves vs. orcs.

Let us know what intellectual property you would like to see get the MMO treatment in the comments section below!

For more gaming related videos and future episodes of Chat Bubbles, check out my YouTube channel and subscribe!

 

What Franchise Would You Like Made Into An MMO?
  • http://twitter.com/Luke_Malcolm Luke Malcolm

    Pokemon / Digimon / Transformers my childhood years are calling to me.

  • http://twitter.com/akenatoth Davide Cortese

    I’d love to see Firefly MMO as well, plus I’ll add Warhammer 40K (since Dark Millennium doesn’t seem to be going in that direction…).

    • http://twitter.com/nobleo1 nobleo

      Back in my days in rift,I had a member that claim he had a job doing some kind of design work to make a Firefly mmo ,Much later after i didn’t hear from him for a few months,just to find out from him it was scrap.

    • http://twitter.com/Luto2501 Luto

       Yeah I remember that there was a Firefly MMO in the works a few years back. Forgot all about it until now. Honestly I was disappointed in what I saw, so maybe it’s a good thing it got scrapped.

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Hermes-Vasconcellos-Netto/100000628002625 Hermes Vasconcellos Netto

       I think Warhammer 40k would be an excelent scenario for an MMO. But i would forget Space Marines in that scenario. Something dealing with the Inquisition, Imperial Guard ou the Rogue Trader scenario would be more fitting.

      I still hope another company picks up the title for an MMO like that. THQ had the visual concept for that franchise right as they proved in several other games like the Dawn of War Series and Space Marine.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000585827434 Kimberley de Jong

    Definately Harry Potter, I’ve always dreamt of an MMO in Hogwarts style, like, you’ll be able to learn magic spells and there’s classes at certain times. That’d be soooo nice.

    • http://twitter.com/RichieProcopio Richie Procopio

      I love the idea of a Harry Potter MMO focused on studying at Hogwarts, but it’s so hard to figure out how to make that work. It would probably work better to just have an MMO in that world and not make it about the students, but then it wouldn’t feel like Harry Potter as much.

      • http://twitter.com/dndhatcher David Hatcher

         Its almost certainly already being worked on.  As soon as Warner bought Turbine they pulled the lead designer and senior devs off of Lotro and put them on a “secret project”.  It will probably have tie-ins with the new pottermore website.

        It could go anywhere from Wizard 101ish to Secret Worldish in tone and playstyle.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=575368750 Anthony Dotchin

    the magician by Raymond E Fiest it would also make a great film

  • http://twitter.com/GameEntity GameEntity

    @richieprocopio I’m going to check that movie out. It sounds familiar. My dream MMORPG would be one based on Fallout 3. I loved that game and would have paid extra to, at the very least, play it with one other person.

    • http://twitter.com/RichieProcopio Richie Procopio

      Yeah I think Fallout would be a popular choice with a lot of people. If you check out Krull, let me know what you think of it!

  • http://www.facebook.com/Steve4tw Steve Espinosa

    Would love to see a Dune or Wheel of Time MMO

  • Rick Mills

    Ringworld.

  • http://twitter.com/ChadMCowder Chad Cowder

    A Planteside 2 styled G.I.Joe MMO could have potential.  

  • http://twitter.com/arsenicspritzer ArsenicSpritzer

    RuneQuest/Glorantha

  • David Alcon

    I came here for Krull!!!

    • http://twitter.com/RichieProcopio Richie Procopio

      You, sir, are a good man!

      • DoctorOverlord

        Good to know I wasn’t the only person who recognized that pic.   

        Only I let out a scream of horror :)   Forevermore ‘glaives’ would no longer be considered an actual polearm but an utterly impractical, oversized throwing star.   (Although WoW had far more influence spreading that idea I suppose, but we know where they got the concept for those Night Elf weapons! Oh yes, we do).

  • Remi Worsley

    Mass Effect MMO would be awesome.

    • Krzysztof Kotarba

      end up like swtor

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Xoa-Wolf/100001759961756 Xoa Wolf

    Being a hardcore Halo fan since the first one I would really like to see that game in a MMO format.

    Also I would like to see Legend of Zelda as a MMO to kinda tie in all the different version of the LoZ series, where the lore from all of them is actually history…. Also I want to see Midna come back! ;_;

  • Krzysztof Kotarba

    battlefield, witcher, minecraft, gta and mortal kombat :D

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Jim-Bergevin-Jr/1393526370 Jim Bergevin Jr

    TRON and Logan’s Run. I think some interesting things can be done with these in an MMO setting.

  • Brandon Lirette

    Wheel of Time

  • Drobu

    I loved the Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver series, so that’s my choice.

  • http://twitter.com/caerulei Timothy Noël

    Beyond the Western Deep, a webcomic with Redwall/Skyrim inspired setting.  Honestly I think it would be an awesome MMO as long as it was focused on story, perhaps using the GW1 engine with added bonus of jumping and true 3D environments.

    No magic (that I know of), but a world of rich and complex politics with the potential of at least six factions, each with their own goals.

  • http://www.facebook.com/jonathan.hornsby.7 Jonathan Hornsby

    I think something that has a lot of potential for an MMO would be Fullmetal Alchemist. You get a pre-existing fan base, a wealth of source material to draw from, and interesting world, a steampunk-ish setting that some have been asking for, and an in universe plausible explanation for a kind of pseudo magic. On top of that the in universe system of alchemy can be built on as a game play mechanic that would not only allow for custom classes, but actually custom skills.

    Think about it, in the series these “spell-like effects” are all based on an inscribed “transmutation circle” drawn with an established language of symbols and glyphs that represent alchemic equations and principles. Well just have each glyph represent a mechanic like damage type or range, and restrict circles to only allow so many glyphs at each level range (further restricted by having more powerful mechanics demand more “space” within the circles) and players could, in theory, craft any custom skill they want through a simple “drag and drop” circle crafting interface, while still working within a developer established balance. If more balance needs to be made post release they could just tweak the “size” of each glyph. This could even be a part of the progression system as players gradually unlock new glyphs and larger circle templates to build on.

  • QuixoteUgly

    i’d love to see something based off “The Dark Tower” series of books by Stephen King. scifi/fantasy/western. it’d be difficult to pull off, but mind-blowingly awesome if realized.

  • http://twitter.com/dndhatcher David Hatcher

    Paranoia (the role-playing game) has always interested me as an MMO.  Part of the game is that there is always some member of your party that doesnt want you to succeed and tries to sabotage the group without getting caught, which would make it a natural setting for an open world PK.  Everyone gets cloned, so re-spawning at a res point is already covered by lore.  A paranoid computer AI runs the world so its a natural fit for a computer game.

    • DoctorOverlord

      Now that could be an interesting idea.    It might be difficult to keep the tension that you get in a tabletop RPG though, since people might be inclined to just start shooting each other the first chance they get without a GM watching them.  

      But if the missions were designed so you had to cooperate, then you’d be doing the mission but constantly waiting for your teammates turn on you, and if they (or you) pick the wrong time for the betrayal  then everyone dies.   That would actually be a natural system for group content as well.

      But not many people know of Paranoia, maybe Valve could buy the rights and combine Alpha Complex with Apeture Science in an MMO (They never actually said who built the Computer do they?   Maybe he’s GLaDOS’s little brother).   

    • arenasb

      Thumbs up for the Paranoia reference.

      Hmm, maybe the premise of the game could be on how long can your present clone live.

  • Daniel Rafuls

    Terminator.  Just think about it…

  • DoctorOverlord

    The Deadlands RPG – think Red Dead Redemption with magic and steampunk.  

    It would be a nice break from the fantasy settings but it would still have elements that MMO players expect like flashy visual effects and magic.

  • Galdros

    If there was a Wheel of Time MMO, I’d be set for life. The world is so deep in story that it would be an incredible MMO experience if done correctly. Not to mention how unique it is in terms of people and places, and its very deep magic system.

  • http://twitter.com/Oledurty Oledurty

    Stephen King’s- The Dark Towers series- The Gunslinger.

  • Tim Simmons

    Personally I like the Idea of Girl Genius being an MMO. it’s Steampunk with great characters, obvious archtypes And the best Minions around the Jaegermonsters. check out the webcomic which created this wonderful world.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1260066056 Steven Diaz

    Completely agree with Firefly, that would be perfect.  Never seen the movie you mentioned, going to give it a go.  Here’s my list:

    *****Freelancer*****  (But only if they keep the rich storytelling)
    Harry Potter
    Guyver
    Pokemon
    Power Rangers
    Marvel MMO  (A real one, not a Diablo clone)
    Walking Dead
    Mortal Kombat
    Underworld (Finally werewolves done right)
    Halo
    Dragon Age  (Not sure about this one, Bioware is now a trash company)

    Near Impossible to make MMOs that I’d still like to see:

    Digimon (current one sucks)
    Sailor Moon (not sure how that would work but I love that series)

    • http://twitter.com/ChampionSheWolf Terra Silverspar

      Oh please no, to Underworld. That movie series is just terrible, yet another in a long line of movies going out of their way to wussify vampires and werewolves.

      Honestly, I haven’t a clue why Nintendo hasn’t made Pokemon as an MMO, that would pretty much be a gold mine considering how many people keep buying new handhelds just for the latest Pokemon game.

    • Unknownman14

       Sailor Moon MMO?

      I’d play that :P

    • David Cole

      Krull was awesome. Even had a young Liam Neeson in it.

  • http://twitter.com/GameEntity GameEntity

    Oh hey I have another one. Does anyone remember Shadow Run from the SNES? It was kind of a Cyberpunk RPG. It was a great game. That–would make for a great MMORPG also, I think. :D

  • http://www.facebook.com/stuart.chafin Stuart Chafin

    Dresden Files – 3 different types of vampires, werewolves/other shifters, holy warriors with magic swords, and mages with different specialties.  Set in a modern setting.

    And one I am surprised is not already done.
    Oregon Trail Online.

  • http://twitter.com/QuietNine Quiet

    Vampire: The Masquerade. 

    Again, ONLY with Richie’s pre-req of it NOT sucking. You hear me White-Wolf? No one wants to play “Secret World: World of Darkness.”

    • http://twitter.com/ChampionSheWolf Terra Silverspar

      I think the number of people that care about The World of Darkness as an MMO is substantially smaller than fans care. Also, CCP is making WoD, which means any chance it had is already in trouble.

      • http://twitter.com/QuietNine Quiet

        I am aware of both the small following and of CCP. It would still be towards the top of my list for an MMO done right, outside of the upcoming Camelot Unchained.

        And really, EVE has a lot of appeal for people who like Microsoft Excel. If they can capture that same appeal for people who like story and good combat, it could happen.

  • Nova2012

    RED ALERT! It’s an old IP, but would be cool converted into a MMORPG.  

  • Unknownman14

    Oh my… where do I start? Here’s my list on top of my head at the moment.

    Pokemon
    Digimon
    Fire Emblem
    Any Gundam series or just a crossover of all of them
    Super Robot Wars
    Persona
    Fallout
    Golden Sun
    Zone of Enders
    Panzer Dragoon
    Monster Hunter
    Shonen Jump crossover (Yeah…. ALL OF THEM!)
    Transformers (Except for the Micheal Bay version ****)
    Firefly
    Hunger Games
    Starcraft
    Star Wars AFTER THE PREQUELS!!!!
    Warhammer 40k

    That’s all I can think of for now. But in reality it would be hard to make any series to an mmo nowadays since there are more risks than rewards to make one.

  • robotadventures

    I thi9

  • robotadventures

    fade in fly over a small fishing town at night, graphics look a bit paintbrush. camera moves down the middle of the and stops at agroup of thugs harashing a young woman. camera 50 meters at the other end of the street, thugs in the distance. camera pan up across the back of a man and see the clouds part to show a full moon. setting is japan, tile roofs vending machines, the man walks over and says why dont you leave them alone. thugs respond, you going to make us. fight startts game play like batman.. jumps kicks blocks, and then…hadoken….and you see the man red headband.

  • Oblivity

    Magic the Gathering is the one I’d most like to see. Not an implementation of the card game itself, but a game where you can play as a Planeswalker in a more traditional MMORPG setting using the various planes from the MTG universe. There’s already a ton of lore and concept art via card artwork to use as a basis for creatures, spells, and locations. Start with a base of one or two of the larger planes and add others via expansions and the world would be massive and varied.

  • zilvis78

    I for one would  actually enjoy a well done Thundercats MMO,likely my favorite toon of the 80′s but female cats dancing on mailboxes might make the Thundercats Ho yell mean something totally different…As for pure fantasy the Sword of truth novels would be an excellent MMO. 

  • http://www.facebook.com/oneniisama Bear Powell

    Firefly – There is no other acceptable answer here.

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/W76UOX2IDTRMMYTPASSJDLXLRM Bob

    I’d love a AAA Shadowrun MMO or a RIFTS MMO. Both are great gaming worlds that mix technology with magic.

  • http://www.facebook.com/chad.klusman Chad M Klusman

    They turn too many already established stuff into MMOs.

    But, if as you described, it was a success, it would have to be a better Star Wars MMO.

    I never got to play SWG, didn’t play MMOs during it’s hey day, and SWtoR was downright pathetic.

    The Thundercats is actually a great idea as well.

  • http://www.facebook.com/kaj.udanga Kaj Udanga

    I’d go for any MMO that has Brandon Sanderson doing the magic system. Seriously, the guy is a genius at balancing. If you don’t know, he finished up the Wheel of Time series. Before that, he authored the Mistborn series and The Stormlight Archive (only on it’s first book but, what a book!) I can definitely imagine myself playing a game based around the ‘burning’ of limited metals in your system to create specific effects like a Mistborn or joining the Knights Radiant of The Stormlight Archives, speaking the immortal words “Life before death, strength before weakness, journey before destination.”

    Another guy who I’d like writing stories for games and have them turned into MMOs would be Patrick Rothfuss, author of The Kingkiller Chronicle.

    Also, Sandman.

  • Peregrine451

    I’d love to see Highlander (movie or TV series) made into an MMO.

    Others that I think could be great as an MMO: The Dark Crystal, Willow, Labyrinth, and Gor (the books not that awful movie).

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004223793887 Vaneryle Duece

    Valdemar heralds books by Mercedes Lackey

  • Depravity

    Fucking Dune!

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_ZFDWTWGZMMX5P2DU72YPBLCQJM Justin Ryan

      Dune would be absolutely amazing !
      knives, guns, benejesseret (spelling sorry), WURMS !

    • Ravenstorm

      Yes! Yesyesyesyesyes!

  • lamsai

    1)exalted by white wolf
    2)core command by dreampod 9
    3)SLA industries by nightfall games

  • http://twitter.com/MiZTiiX MiZTiiX

    WILD WEST

  • http://www.facebook.com/paul.lasalle Paul LaSalle

    Never ending Story
    Foundation (Isaac Asimov)
     

  • Deacon1979

    Dragon Age for a themepark.

    Hyperion as a sandbox (or maybe dune)

    edit: krull is pure win, i cried when the cyclops died (i was about 10)

  • http://www.facebook.com/mark.mayer.9887 Mark Mayer

    Discworld.  Make it happen!

  • SeNtReX

    Fallout !!

  • Ravenstorm

    Dune
    Firefly
    Warhammer 40k (for real this time)

    I actually saw Krull at the movies once upon a time, very original, Still want that weapon.

  • Ixtyr

    Dune would be great, but I honestly would love Dragonlance. It’d be amazing, if done well. So much lore, massive world, incredible intricacy, it’s already right there, waiting to be converted into an MMORPG. Weis, Hickman and their comrades are absolute geniuses, and it’d be great to see their world transformed into a high-end MMO.

  • http://www.facebook.com/ejhannigan Eula Jade Hannigan

    Glee. Hands down. There would be nothing better in the world then to Log on and join in on a random in bathroom sing-a-long, or get the head cheerleader knocked up the brake up with her via song. That my friend… would be awesome. 

    srsly kidding. 

  • TheGillMeme

    Anyone here remember Babylon 5? That would make a tremendous MMO!!!

  • Burgleturdtheturgleburd

    Didn’t watch the video, but did anyone say Pokemon?

  • Kagitaar

    I’d watch Krull, but Netflix is being whiny about it.

  • Rich E.

    was just talking about this with my guild… we had a poll of 30 players…

    #1 DUNE
    #2 wasnt even close enough to mention…

    DUNE… please.. money gods, do it, make it happen, engage, whatever. please

  • Shmez

    I would want to see: 1.Battlestar Galactica, 2. The Conqueror’s series ( the Timothy Zahn trilogy). and 3. Inframan! (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Inframan)

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