Quantic Dream's 'Spellcasters Chronicles' Takes Flight with Aerial 3v3 MOBA Action

French game studio Quantic Dream, renowned for narrative-driven titles like Omikron: The Nomad Soul and Detroit: Become Human, is venturing into new territory with its upcoming aerial 3v3 MOBA, Spellcasters Chronicles. The game is set to enter a closed beta from January 29th to February 2nd, with an Early Access launch planned for February 26th on PC via Steam.

Unlike traditional MOBAs that employ top-down perspectives, Spellcasters Chronicles opts for a third-person view reminiscent of games like Smite. However, the game distinguishes itself with a unique aerial combat system where characters can fly indefinitely, adding a vertical dimension to the strategic gameplay. This flight mechanic promises to create dynamic air-to-air combat scenarios as players battle to control territory and push lanes.

The core gameplay revolves around capturing altars to produce units that advance toward enemy positions, similar to how towers and lanes function in Dota 2. Players select from various Spellcasters, each with distinct abilities that can be upgraded throughout the match. The progression system allows for significant power spikes, such as upgrading from summoning basic grunts to calling forth powerful Titans to push lanes.

Quantic Dream's acquisition by Chinese gaming giant NetEase in 2022 marked its first European studio purchase, signaling the publisher's interest in expanding its portfolio beyond its traditional markets. This move into the competitive MOBA space represents a significant departure from the studio's established focus on story-driven single-player experiences.

For those interested in participating in the closed beta, access can be requested through the game's Steam page. The studio's decision to run a second closed beta round suggests they're actively seeking player feedback to refine the game before its Early Access debut.

While Spellcasters Chronicles enters a crowded MOBA market alongside titles like Valve's in-development Deadlock, its aerial combat system and third-person perspective could carve out a unique niche for players seeking a fresh take on the genre's established formula.