Former Codemasters MMO Director Anthony Castoro has announced the formation of a new MMO development studio, Heatwave Interactive. Castoro has worked on such diverse titles as Ultima Online, Star Wars Galaxies, RF Online, DDO, and Archlord, and looks to apply his experience in creating a whole new MMO experience.

"The current crop of massively multiplayer games only provides a glimpse into the power of connected gaming. Heatwave Interactive's mission is to create original games that unite the power of online gaming with the excitement of traditional single-player video games."

A solid idea, to be sure. I often find myself playing an MMO game and wondering if I would enjoy it nearly as much if it weren't for the community aspect. Would I have spent so much time playing World of Warcraft if I was playing alone all the time? Probably not. I feel that the ideal MMO would be a game crafted first as a compelling single player game and then incorporating the massively-multiplayer elements into it. Hopefully Heatwave Interactive will aim at innovation like this and not be just another MMO company.

"This in not just another MMO company," stated Castoro.

Well that certainly clears that up! Michael Fahey

Star Wars Galaxies vet forms new MMO studio [GamesIndustry.biz]

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