Wizard 101 Takes You to Ravenwood

In a world where movies are more and more based on games, and where every new movie out there is tied down to a game companion, seeing games-based-on-movies-that-try-to-be-something-else as well was pretty much inevitable. Following this trend, KingIsle Entertainment is announcing that it plans to launch a fantasy-themed virtual world called Wizard 101, which to me seems ripped directly from the lore of Harry Potter, without the royalty payments.

The new project is set to be aimed at teens, which means that it will probably be much too "childish" for serious MMO players, and has an estimated release date for fall 2008. The main backdrop of the game is Ravenwood School of Magical Arts, which sounds very similar to a certain magical arts academy from a certain multi-million dollar intellectual property starring a guy named Harry.

The main concept of Wizard 101 is customization. Each player will be able to create an avatar that is perfectly unique, from facial features to the way their costumes look. It's very important for the developers to make players create a clear connection with their avatars in their game. After the character is created, he begins the game as a newly admitted student to the Ravenwood School of Magical Arts, with the goal of becoming an accomplished wizard.

The main challenges in the game will be puzzles and mini-games, with the developers assuring potential players that new mini-games and new puzzles will be added on a regular basis. Apart from puzzle solving, each student will have to choose a school of magic, which will offer a variety of spells, while also adopting a familiar (seems every wizard in every game needs to have one of those). The competitive element of the game will consist of wizardry duels that will be based on collectible cards, which will probably exist only in the game world.

Elie Akilian, Chief Executive Officer of KingIsle, said that: "While the fantasy adventure storyline and collectible card elements of Wizard101 have broad appeal, as a parent, I take the responsibility of creating a positive online environment for younger players very seriously. Wizard101 is a destination for tweens and teens that's creative and witty, but still safe. We've set the bar high for this game".

Look out for the wizards not looking like Harry Potter when the game launches later in the year.