Web MMOs

I don't really know much about Star Wars Combine, but from what I can see (and based on what you want to provide as a game experience), it looks like you will have to explore a combination of Web technologies.

For the client/user interface, in a forum-based fashion, you can probably achieve something significant with standard web page programming tech, but you might want to bring it to the next level with tech such as java applets or Flash. Then again, if you want to stick to the MUD-like-old-school feel, look at technology that provides dynamic content, rather than the typical HTML. For example, you could check out php, ASP and other server-side dynamic web page generating engines. Nonetheless, I believe knowing HTML is mandatory. ;)

On the server side, depending on the extent of your game, you will need to manage data. You "might" have to run a database... which means that database programming is a plus (if not needed) ;)

Hope this helps!

LAMP/WAMP.

- Linux/Windows (host machine administration)
- Apache {web server administration)
- MySQL (data storage)
- PHP (logic)