Former developers of Rainbow Six are developing a new strategy game at Amazon set in a fictional World War backdrop. However, rather than a traditional RTS, it represents an entirely new genre of MOBA.
The term MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) evokes a similar aversion in single-player enthusiasts as Anti-Brumm does in mosquitoes that disrupt idyllic summer evenings outdoors. Nevertheless, March of Giants holds the “MOBA” label primarily on paper, at least in its present iteration. This is because Amazon Games Montréal aims to personalize the genre and intentionally steers clear of comparisons with titans like League of Legends or DOTA.
The concept behind March of Giants is not simply to forge another tactical arena game rooted in fantasy, but to develop a real-time strategy game situated in World War I with fantasy heroes. The studio boasts substantial expertise in the multiplayer field: Amazon Games Montréal is home to the original developers of the tactical shooter Rainbow Six: Siege. Now, March of Giants seeks to merge this expertise with its own enthusiasm for strategy.
We had the opportunity to preview March of Giants during a presentation and Q&A, which included alpha gameplay. Although we regrettably cannot share this yet, we will elaborate on what this new game entails and why it could pique the interest of MOBA skeptics.
At the moment, we can only present press content provided by Amazon in the form of artwork – no trailers or screenshots. However, we have seen gameplay material ourselves. Once trailers or screenshots are released, we will share them here on GlobalESportNews for you.
MOBA or RTS: What is March of Giants?
March of Giants markets itself as a “war MOBA.” The developers clarify that they intentionally aimed to move away from the conventional battle arena (the A in MOBA). Instead, March of Giants aspires to authentically convey the essence of a vast battlefield, akin to what is typically seen in real-time strategy games:
March of Giants represents our endeavor to infuse the epic scale of warfare into the MOBA genre. We aimed to create something that merges the tactical complexity of a traditional MOBA with innovative mechanics that enable players to command large armies and tactically deploy them on the battlefield.
This is how Creative Director Xavier Marquis roughly encapsulates the premise of the game. During the presentation, it becomes evident that March of Giants initially resembles Company of Heroes more than League of Legends.
March of Giants is rich with strategy
First and foremost, the setting is inspired by World War I. Despite its fantastical elements, March of Giants is not a historical game; however, its visuals are considerably more realistic than those of DOTA or LoL. In a fictional early 20th-century setting, so-called giants are utilized as superweapons in warfare – by both factions.
This bears a resemblance to Iron Harvest, which incorporated mechs into the combat of that era, or the popular anime Attack on Titan. In March of Giants, the armies will utilize both magic and science, suggesting we can expect artificially enhanced giant soldiers and mystical beings like werewolves.
However, you do not wander the battlefield as a solitary giant, but command surrounding units. These foot soldiers play a pivotal role in tackling other giants, securing positions, or demolishing enemy structures. They somewhat echo the minions in classic MOBAs, yet operate more like units in RTS games because you can issue them commands.
Another strategic element is base building, which will be feasible in the MOBA, albeit in a streamlined manner. You won’t construct a base or produce units, but rather position military structures strategically on the map to bolster your team’s influence and control. Bunkers or turrets will then provide you with protection or intervene in battles.
Where March of Giants aligns with MOBA
Nonetheless, the team enhances this classic real-time strategy concept with giants who battle in teams of four. As one of these giants, you actively participate in the fight, rather than simply directing it from above.
Similar to League of Legends, your giant levels up throughout the match and gains strength. According to the developers, it should be possible for one of the four to become significantly more powerful than the others if they play wisely. Thus, you can emerge as the “carry” for your team.
Each giant possesses unique abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. However, there will be no fixed roles or classes, allowing for considerably more strategic freedom than with mid laners, supports, AD carries, etc. According to Amazon, 15 distinct heroes are already playable in the previously announced closed alpha. The final roster size upon release remains unknown.
How does March of Giants play?
We have not had the chance to play March of Giants ourselves yet. Our impressions are based on an alpha gameplay trailer that was presented during the session. It was only a brief few minutes long,