Star Wars Galaxies vet forms new MMO studio

Veteran designer Anthony Castoro has formed a new MMO company called Heatwave Interactive, promising to combine online play with the excitement of single-player console gaming.

Castoro has worked on Star Wars Galaxies and Ultima Online, and most recently was director of MMO games at Codemasters, launching RF Online, Dungeons and Dragons Online: Stormreach and ArchLord.

"This in not just another MMO company," stated Castoro.

"The current crop of massively multiplayer games only provides a glimpse into the power of connected gaming. Heatwave Interactive's mission is to create original games that unite the power of online gaming with the excitement of traditional single-player video games."

Joining Castoro in the new venture is entrepreneur Donn Clendon, a driving force behind multiplayer gaming network MPG-NET and World Gaming Corporation.

"With much of the industry rehashing the same formula hoping to realise the success experienced by a select few, a vast opportunity exists for Heatwave, which is dedicated to creating innovative character-based experiences," commented Clendon.