Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era revives the dormant franchise

Ubisoft and Unfrozen have revealed Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era, the first new game in the series since 2015’s Might and Magic: Heroes VII. It’s coming to Steam Early Access in 2025.

This is also revealing to me how little I know about how the Heroes of Might and Magic games play. I saw my cousin play one of the games way back in my youth, but that’s about it. I know more about its history than what it’s like to experience one of the games.

As such, I’m going to have to take the press material’s word on the fact that it’s supposed to be a return to form. How did the later games compare to the earlier ones? Olden Era bills itself as a prequel and is said to take place on a continent that wasn’t explored in the series. They say, “We’ve combined the core elements of classic Heroes with new ideas and modern technology, creating an experience that resonates with both long-time fans and newcomers alike.” There are six factions, with some new and others returning.

As for history, this is the first game in this particular sub-series in nearly 10 years. Heroes is a strategy-focused spinoff of New World Computing’s classic RPG franchise. What I find most interesting about the history is that New World Computing was acquired by 3DO when it pivoted away from its floundering 3DO Interactive Multiplayer console and moved to software. I spoke to a former 3DO employee a while back who spoke highly of New World Computing’s staff but lamented that they had tied themselves to a sinking ship.

Ubisoft scooped up the Might and Magic series after 3DO folded, but while Ubisoft continued making games in the series, it seems like few (if any) of the original staff continued on the games. Even series creator Jon Van Caneghem moved onto other things.

Unfrozen previously created Iratus: Lord of the Dead, which was modestly well-received. The team describes themselves as “fans and genre experts,” which seems to be on show. Time will tell if they can win over the series’ fans. 

Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era is coming to Steam Early Access in 2025.