Every video game role-playing game traces its roots back to Dungeons & Dragons and other similar tabletop RPG systems. The Forgotten Realms, perhaps the most popular and widely recognizable D&D setting (the one responsible for bringing us rogues and gnomes and magic missile) is a particular source of inspiration for developers all over the world.
The RPG genre of video game, perhaps one of the most popular and prolific, is getting another entry in the near future: Mages of Mystralia. This isn’t just another fantasy RPG. It has a surprising pedigree – namely, Ed Greenwood, creator of the Forgotten Realms D&D setting.
The game was announced at this year’s Game Developer Conference, alongside a reveal trailer, which you can watch below:
In addition to an adorable visual style, the game boasts the ability to let players create their own spells, adding a new dimension to the puzzle-solving players will face as they guide the protagonist Zia through the fantastical world. The project, which is being developed by Borealys Games, is also featuring extensive involvement from Dan Adelman, formerly the indie guru for Nintendo of America.
This is an exciting project for anyone familiar with D&D, or Greenwood’s other word. The Toronto-based writer not only created one of the most beloved fantasy setting of all time, he is an accomplished writer, gamer, and designer in his own right. He was inducted into the Gamer’s Choice Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Academy of Adventure Gaming Hall of Fame in 2003.
Mages of Mystralia will be represented at this year’s GDC, as well as at PAX East.