In recent years, the MMO has become hugely popular, both locally and abroad. Whilst the RPG is the primary online form for these games, a number of MMORTS projects are beginning to emerge. One such title is World of Battles from Frogwares, the guys who developed the adventure game Dracula Origin.

World of Battles will see gamers enter a medieval vista filled with nine races - each involved in a conflict surrounding one common goal - world domination. The game will see players enter as a warlord, commanding armies in a casual manner - or for the more hardcore, in official tournaments.


Best of all, World of Battles will be completely free to play, with funding procured through optional micro-transactions and "additional services".

The MMORTS model has incredible potential - with the possibility of persistent campaigns, new content to be released regularly, competitive functionality, and social elements. Whether World of Battles will implement these or be successful is not yet known, but Frogwares, the developer behind this title is incredibly capable.

In World of Battles, players will need to prepare their troops, before engaging in skirmishes, whereupon the game will switch to an RTS model - with players battling one another for domination of the battlefield.

Competitive play will also be incorporated, extending to guilds, where opponents can be destroyed using a combination of tactics and teamwork. In addition, players will be able to customise their army down to the finest detail.


Additional artwork can be found on the mirror
The finished game is expected to be available in March 2009, and will be free to play. Additional micro-transactions and undefined "additional" services will fund support for the game - which is being published by the folk behind the TrackMania franchise, Focus Home Interactive.