Dragon Empires unveiled

Today Codemasters unveiled upcoming online role-playing game, Dragon Empires. The game is set in a fantasy world filled with warring clans striving to expand their territory. The game places an emphasis on player vs. player (PVP) combat, and unlike other games that have safe zones and non-PVP servers, in Dragon Empires it is "open season" on everyone, all the time. Combat in the game is real time, and it involves both weapons and magic spells.

"The always-on combative element is something we're very excited about," said Dragon Empires producer Ted Carron. "The majority of existing massively multiplayer online role-playing games are 99-percent cooperative and relatively slow-paced. Dragon Empires is more intense and competitive, driving people into groups, where the real benefit of online gaming lies."

Although players have the option to attack other players at any time, they run the risk of becoming an outlaw. Outlaws in the game are hunted by both players and dragons, which protect the cities in the game. As players become more experienced, they can form their own clans and eventually take control of entire cities.

Dragon Empires is in development at Codemasters' studio in Oakhurst, Calif. Some members of the development team helped create The Realm, one of the earliest massively multiplayer online role-playing games. Dragon Empires is scheduled for release in mid-2002.