Will These MMOGs Ever Launch? part 4 - KINGDOMS OF AMALUR: RECKONING

For several years now, we've been hypnotized by 38 Studios and their claims of making an incredible online universe for us to enjoy. No other company has been able to gain such excitement without actually ever speaking of the game they're making. They've kept Kingdoms of Amalur a well guarded secret, enticing us with statements of incredible allure. They've drawn many icons of pop culture to the development of the game and have an all-star team. Best-selling author R.A. Salvatore and "Spawn" creator Todd McFarlane are just two of the designers on former Boston Red Sox pitcher, Curt Schilling's team. Not only that, but dozens of other top designers from World of Warcraft and other legendary MMO games have dropped their former projects to move to the East Coast and join the studio.

We know there's talent. We know the Studio has a passion for gaming. We think they can make some real magic. But... it's time to show the cards. Keeping the interest of gamers is tough enough. Keeping the interest of online gamers without talking about an actual game is madness. It simply can't happen for long. 38 Studios has achieved a commendable accomplishment in being able to pull it off as long as they have, but even now gamers are growing restless.

Fortunately, we have heard tales that 38 Studios will be at GDC this year. What will be shown? It remains to be seen, but it's one of the titles we're very interested in. It has an original IP, one hell of a design team and enough indication on the type of game 38 Studios wants to make that, if achieved, it may very well make a huge splash in the MMOG market that hasn't been seen in years.

But will we hear and see more of the game, or will there simply be more gaming theory and design talk? Not that we don't love to talk games, but we really want to see it now.

38 Studios Responds
Unfortunately, 38 Studios' response to our challenge was a lack thereof--they simply didn't answer within the 7-day window we provided them. Could this be because they have nothing they're prepared to announce right now? Or maybe it's because the development process has them heads- down and unable to respond to our requests? Alas, we just don't know.