Thanks to the success of games like Valve's "DOTA 2" and Riot Games' "League of Legends," it seems as though everyone wants a piece of the ever-expanding MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) pie.
Now, it appears that Square Enix, known mostly for its popular and quirky role-playing games, is making its own MOBA. The Japanese company is basing its MOBA on its "Lord of Vermilion Arena" franchise, according to Silicon Era.
While most western fans know Square Enix for console-based franchises like "Final Fantasy" and "Kingdom Hearts," "Lord of Arcana" is a Japanese arcade-based series that features elements of collectible card games. It has also featured cameo appearances from characters from other popular Japanese gaming franchises, including "Persona" and "BlazBlue."
A MOBA is a type of game that has two teams of players trying to raze the other side's base while leveling up their distinct and powerful heroes. MOBAs have become all the rage in the last few years; they are consistently some of the most played (and talked about) games on the PC platform. MOBAs are also particularly popular on the e-sports scene, which has grown in popularity over the past few years as well.
While most MOBAs use five-vs-five battles, "Lord of Vermilion Arena" will put two teams of seven against each other.
An alpha test of the game will take place during Oct. 17 to 19, but the full, finished game won't be available for the PC until next year.