Mar 1, 2011 19:21 GMT  ·  By

A free-to-play MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) game based on the hit Doctor Who television series has been formally announced by license owner BBC and its developer, Three Rings.

BBC's Doctor Who TV series is becoming increasingly popular in the last few years, and the broadcasting company hasn't been shy about adapting some of its stories into games, releasing multiple games last year for the Nintendo DS and Wii platforms.

Now, the British company has confirmed that an online game, called Doctor Who: Worlds in Time, is currently in development at San Francisco-based studio Three Rings.

"Doctor Who: Worlds in Time will be a free-to-play multiplayer online game that invites players to save the universe by using their wits to solve time-bending puzzles and pulse-pounding challenges", said EVP of digital entertainment at BBC Worldwide Robert Nashak.

The studio has worked on previous online games in the past, including Yohoho! Puzzle Pirates or Bang! Howdy, all of which use the same free-to-play strategy as the upcoming Doctor Who title.

"Three Rings is the ideal team for this groundbreaking creative partnership. Not only are they visionaries in the online gaming space, they are lifelong Doctor Who fans with a passion for delivering the level of quality that our players will expect and deserve."

The developer is keen on expanding the long background of the TV series and will retain its fun nature.

According to the first details, players will act as companions for the Doctor, who will give them certain challenges and tasks to complete, most of which involving different types of puzzle.

"Three Rings is delighted and honored to have the opportunity to create an online game based on Doctor Who. Our goal with Words in Time is to capture the imaginative spirit and depth of the series, whilst being fun and easy to play for all ages." said Daniel James, CEO of Three Rings Design.

The online Doctor Who game is set to be launched at the end of the year.