The online gaming industry is booming as more people begin to see the benefits of dynamic gameplay, social communities, and fresh content. There is much untapped potential in the MMORPG platform because it is still a relatively new way of experiencing popular franchises. There are many top MMORPGs upcoming in 2009 and beyond. Online games of the future will continue to build up on their predecessors and truly achieve the next-generation status. Here are the most anticipated MMORPGs to be released. Gameplay features and release dates are subject to change.

Stargate Worlds - Release Date: Q4 2009

Stargate Worlds will be based on the hit television show, Stargate SG-1. An MMORPG game placed in a science-fiction universe of this magnitude has been long desired by fans worldwide. The storyline will highlight the earlier seasons of the show and the main setting at release will be the Milky Way Galaxy. The war between Goa'uld and the Tau'ri rages on, one of many conflicts between races in the show.

Players will be able to choose certain archetypes, which operate differently from other traditional MMORPGs. There is no particular 'tank' class or 'healer' class. Instead, a highly flexible tech tree can be used to customize your character in endless ways. Each archetype will have three specialization trees that give the player the ability to have hybrid roles. Combat will emphasize first-person shooter concepts and tactical gameplay. The weapons will be diverse and the enemy AI will prove to be a challenge.

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