Might & Magic MMORPG due in 2005
But there's a catch: it's only coming out in China.
Given the large number of cancellations lately in the MMORPG genre (including Warhammer Online, Ultima X, Mythica and True Fantasy Live Online), Ubisoft's announcement of a forthcoming Heroes of Might & Magic online title this week makes for a pleasant change.
Interestingly, the game is a collaboration between Ubisoft China and studio TQ Digital Entertainment, who will develop the game in time for it to reach gamers next year. However, for now, those gamers will only be of the Chinese variety; Ubisoft is considering a worldwide launch, but has nothing to say on the subject just yet.
It's a stance that echoes that of SEGA and its Shenmue Online project. Announced earlier this year for release in China alone, SEGA has yet to confirm plans to do anything with it outside the Far East - where China is emerging as a key territory for MMORPG sales.
"The approach on this product is to blend Asian gameplay elements and a Western franchise with high recognition in the Asian territories," according to Ubi's European boss Alain Coree. "To that end, we will work closely with TQ Digital, who already has wide experience in this area and who we know will be able to develop a great game that will please Chinese MMO fans."