A China based company called NetDragon Websoft has announced that it has acquired the Dungeon Keeper license from Electronic Arts with a view to creating an MMO based on the franchise.

The game will be called Dungeon Keeper Online and will be operated through NetDragon Websoft on China including Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau but many make a leap to other regions as well according to the companies chairman, Liu Dejian.

“We are delighted to enter into an agreement with EA in the development of our first 3D MMOG,” he said. “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”.

“Capitalising 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.”

EA Asia Pacific president Jon Niermann who was recently interviewed by GamesIndustry.biz says, “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 MMOGs.”

There has been no predicted launce date for the game yet, but the original was an RTS designed game by Peter Molyneux’s Bullfrog back in 1999.