Screenshot from Dungeon Keeper 2

Electronic Arts control a large amount of intellectual property when it comes to iconic gaming history. One such tidbit is the Dungeon Keeper license, which was spawned in 1997 by Peter Molyneux and the now defunct Bullfrog Productions.

As an RTS, Dungeon Keeper spawned a legion of loyal fans with its unique gameplay and shift from ubiquitous heroism to evil. Today, a Chinese company by the name of NetDragon has announced that they've licensed the Dungeon Keeper IP from EA, with intentions to produce a MMO entitled Dungeon Keeper Online based on the franchise.

NetDragon will take its first step into 3D MMO gaming with Dungeon Keeper Online which will be released 'throughout the Greater China region', which includes Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau.

Liu Dejian, Chairman and Executive Director of NetDragon had the following to say regarding the project:

We are delighted to enter into an agreement with EA in the development of our first 3D MMORPG. Our partnership with this internationally renowned game developer is proof of our capabilities in game operations and development as well as a reflection of our market reputation. Capitalizing our strength to create a strong gaming experience, powerful operating platform and unmatched expertise within China's online game market, we are confident that Dungeon Keeper Online will not only become successful in the Greater China region but also achieve remarkable results overseas.

(Screenshots from Dungeon Keeper 2)
GamesIndustry.biz reports that the title may see a release overseas, despite NetDragon's local focus. EA Asia Pacific President, Jon Niermann noted that:

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. It will also further enhance our intellectual property with differentiated, high-quality games, particularly in the field of MMORPGs.

Whilst this probably isn't the best possible news for fans of the series - it is a step forward in reviving a much loved intellectual property. A majority of the staff members who worked at Bullfrog Productions have long since moved off onto other projects or to other developers, so if NetDragon's upcoming offering is to spark anything by way of a triple A high budget, "next-gen" instalment of the series, it is likely that this could be handled by an already-existing EA studio.

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Thanks to >XaartaX< for this news submission!
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