NCSoft To Develop New MMOs for PlayStation 3 and PSP

One of the biggest announcements at E3 this year was the deal struck between Sony and MMO specialists NCsoft, with the Korean RPG giant set to develop new intellectual properties (IPs) for PlayStation 3 according to its North America CEO, Robert (brother of Richard) Garriott.

In a statement on PlayNC.com Ultima creator, Garriott, says the first PS3 MMO from NCSoft could well arrive before the end of 2009 and that the company will be developing new games as well as porting its current titles over to console.

Garriott notes that NCSoft, “want to make new products using our current, popular Intellectual Properties that will take advantage of the console, specifically in terms of user interface, connectivity, and play styles. This tends to take a lot longer than a normal port. We are also looking at all sorts of new, original IPs that we can use for the console games we create. That process, however, will take two to three years at a minimum.”

Garriott also hints at the PSP being part of the masterplan, noting that the "relationship allows NCsoft to develop titles across all of Sony’s console hardware platforms — the focus being on the PlayStation 3 and perhaps the PSP. This long-term relationship will allow us to start developing console products, as well as build our growing catalogue beyond just massively multiplayer games for the PC."

So, prepare to don thy jerkins (or space gowns) and ready yourself for Sony-based dilemmas.