It has been quite some time since the MMO was one of the most popular genres in gaming. WhileWorld of Warcrafthas managed to maintain a level of cultural relevance through consistentexpansions likeShadowlands, other games likeDestinyhave elected to include MMO concepts without dedicating themselves to the formula. However, , one MMO stands poised ready to turn heads in the coming year
Hong Kong developer Leyou has released new information regardingTransformers Online, an MMO based on the popularTransformersbrand by Hasbro. According to these documents, the game is still in active development after it was initially announced two years ago. The company is also projecting thatTransformers Onlinewill enter beta in October 2021, and is expected to leave beta around April 2022.
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This information was disclosed following the recent announcement that Leyou was being acquired by Tencent. As part of the buyout, Leyou was legally required to publish several documents that detailed the company’s current projects. BesidesTransformers Online, these reports gave players an update on theLord of the RingsMMOthat is currently in development. According to the disclosure, the Tolkien-inspired multiplayer game is slated to release some time in 2022.
Rumors began circulating ofTencent’s interest in acquiring Leyouas early as July of this year. While the company had reportedly received offers to be purchased by Sony, a statement from the developer’s board confirmed that it was entering into an exclusivity agreement with Tencent for about $1.4 billion. It seems this price is more than worth it for the gaming conglomerate, as it adds game studios like Digital Extremes (Warframe) and Splash Damage (Gears Tactics) to its repertoire of acquisitions.
The idea for aTransformersMMO isn’t exactly a new one. In 2014,RuneScapedeveloper Jagex releasedTransformers Universein open beta.The game featured customizable Transformers, multiple classes, and was primarily based on the fan-favorite animated TV show. Unfortunately, the game was shut down by Jagex and Hasbro in early 2015, with the developer having to issue refunds to players who purchased a Founders Pack.
WhileTransformers Universemet an early and abrupt end, it seems that fans of theTransformersfranchise have just as much enthusiasm as they did in the ’80s. And with Netflix continuing to generate excitement for the long-running series with itsWar for Cybertronprogram, it seems that the world will be sitting in anticipation forTransformers Online’s beta in 2021.
