The Transformers license, much like the car-shaped robots contained within, is adapting into a new form: an MMO game. NetDragon, a Chinese online game developer also responsible for the "new" Ultima Online, has worked out a deal with Hasbro to develop an MMO based on the Robots in Disguise, due next year.Unfortunately, pretty much the only detail announced about this game is that it's "expected to officially roll-out in 2011 in China as well as other select markets in Asia, MENA and Russia/CIS." If you're an American and were already dreaming about building a custom carbot avatar and giving your friends metal high fives, sorry!
Why make a Transformers game for Asian markets? "As a brand and a cultural icon," NetDragon Chairman and Executive Director Liu Dejian said, "Transformers is already a household name in China, and we are extremely honored to be able to join hands with Hasbro to bring the excitement and fanaticism of Transformers into the online gaming sector." A household name in China! Who knew ... besides, apparently, every household in China.
[Image: Nakatomi Inc.]
