Cue the obligatory “why did Electronic Arts not announce this at its E3 press conference” remarks. In an interview with Condé Nast Portfolio, company chief executive office John Riccitiello dropped the tantalizing fact that developer BioWare is working — in partnership with LucasArts — on a Star Wars: Knight of the Republic MMO.

“We’ve got two of the most compelling MMOs in the industry in development,” said Riccitiello. The first title, based on the Warhammer property, will launch soon. “And the one that people are dying for us to talk to them about — in partnership with Lucas, coming out of BioWare, which is, I think, quite possibly the most anticipated game, full stop, for the industry at the point when we get closer to telling you about it.”

Does Riccitiello mean the oft rumored Knights of the Old Republic Online? “Yes,” he said.

We sorta already knew it was in development after an employee affected by LucasArts’ recent layoffs name-dropped the title, but regardless – it’s nice to receive a solid confirmation from Riccitiello himself.

EA to Play in Knights of the Old Republic [Portfolio]

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