Ubisoft announce 3 new free-to-play games
Gamescom 2012 may be over, but the event certainly provided a plethora of new announcements from publishers and developers alike. One of the bigger announcements came courtesy of Ubisoft who announced not one, not two, but three new free-to-play games set in the universe’s of two of Ubisoft’s well known franchises: Anno Online, Might and Magic Heroes Online and Might and Magic Raiders.
The three free-to-play titles announced will be be playable on PC’s either by use of a Web browser or client download. Two of the games – Anno Online and Might and Magic Heroes Online – will be being developed by Settler’s studio Blue Byte. Might and Magic Raiders is being developed by Ubisoft Chengdu. Whilst Might and Magic Raiders will see a 2013 release, Anno Online has a targeted release date of Autumn and Might and Magic Heroes Online is aiming for a Summer release.
Stephanie Perotti, Worldwide Director for Online Games, Ubisoft, had the following to say regarding the announcement:
“The free-to-play market is growing rapidly thanks to the improving quality and flexibility in these new gaming experiences. Ubisoft is taking the quality of core games and combining it with the best characteristics of online play to create free-to-play titles that will stand out from the crowd and reward customers already familiar with our popular game franchises.”
A quick summary of each of the games, their official websites and trailers can be found below.
Anno Online
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KE_OqFIrhGA
Based on the critically acclaimed, award-winning franchise, fans now can experience all the strategy, simulation and highly-detailed animation and graphics the Anno series is known for in a free-to-play, browser-based game. Players can build and develop big medieval cities using the detailed economic system enjoyed by Anno fans. As they satisfy the population’s needs, they will unlock new buildings and face more demanding inhabitants, eventually needing to discover and claim additional islands and connect them with trading routes. For the first time in the Anno series, players will have the opportunity to be part of one giant empire and gather in powerful guilds, working toward joint goals and server-wide quests.
Official Website: Anno Online
Might & Magic Heroes Online
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eKYhWyuxYA
The multi-million-unit selling Might & Magic franchise is now adding two new episodes to the saga. Might & Magic Heroes Online is a new free-to-play, browser-based MMO role-playing game that stays true to the authentic Heroes game-play formula found in earlier PC titles. Players can customise their Heroes to take on a variety of challenges and ultimately rule the battlefield. Along the way, a multitude of awe-inspiring fantasy environments, all set in the Might & Magic world of Ashan, are available to explore. Towns can be set up for army recruitment, economy, or to serve a variety of purposes all at once. And since no Hero is more powerful than their army and no enemy is too difficult to overcome, players can join forces with their friends’ Heroes and mix and match creatures to create the ideal army for epic co-op battles.
Official Website: Might and Magic Heroes Online
Might and Magic Raiders
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tphzx6Kh0Gc
Might & Magic Raiders is a free-to-play action/RPG that allows players to choose from four different character classes and team-up with friends to defeat dangerous demons and impressive bosses. The Raiders story starts just before the events of Might & Magic® Heroes® VI. Players will be part of the Raiders of Ashan and will defend Hammerfall by engaging in fast-paced 20 minute bursts of action with fellow raiders in an immersive co-op experience.
Official Website: Might and Magic Raiders