China-based game developer NetDragon Websoft has announced that it has reached an agreement with Electronic Arts to license the company's
Dungeon Keeper IP for a 3D MMORPG. The agreement includes all themes, characters and game content seen in the classic PC strategy game released in 1997.
As part of this agreement, NetDragon will develop the title, and also gains the exclusive license to operate and distribute
Dungeon Keeper Online throughout the Greater China region, including Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau.
Originally developed by Bullfrog Productions (led by Peter Molyneux) the original
Dungeon Keeper was a real-time strategy title in which the player took the titular role of a "dungeon keeper" -- creating dungeons and populating them with monsters in order to defeat invading heroes. The game received a sequel in 1999, and a third
Dungeon Keeper game was in development at Bullfrog before EA discontinued the studio and brand.
"The partnership marks a significant milestone for EA as it will enhance our intellectual property and extend our product reach throughout the Greater China region,"
said Jon Niermann, President of EA Asia Pacific. "It will also further enhance our intellectual property with differentiated, high-quality games, particularly in the field of MMORPGs."
