During Gamescom 2012, Ubisoft have announced three new free-to-play games set in the universes of two of the companies big franchises – Anno Online, Might & Magic: Heroes and Might & Magic: Raiders. All of Ubisoft’s free-to-play titles will be playable on PCs either via a Web browser or a simple client download. Anno Online and Might & Magic Heroes Online are being developed by Blue Byte, the Ubisoft studio behind The Settlers franchise and the latest installment of the Anno franchise, Anno 2070. Anno Online will be released this Autumn and Might & Magic Heroes Online is targeted for release this Summer. Might & Magic Raiders is being developed by Ubisoft Chengdu and will be released sometime 2013.
Stephanie Perotti | Worldwide Director for Online Games at Ubisoft
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.
Further details and trailers for the games are included below:
1. Anno Online
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.
2. Might & Magic Heroes Online
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.
3. Might & Magic Raiders
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.
