After a tumultuous journey marked by legal disputes and removal from Steam, the multiplayer war sandbox game “Myth of Empires” is poised for a striking comeback. Scheduled for a Steam relaunch on February 21, the game opens its virtual doors for a closed technical test, offering players a glimpse into its expansive world.
Myth of Empires first debuted on Steam in 2021 but quickly became embroiled in controversy. Studio Wildcard, the developer behind the popular “Ark: Survival Evolved,” accused Angela Game, the studio behind Myth of Empires, of pilfering Ark’s source code.
The allegation was particularly contentious given that Angela Game was founded by at least one ex-employee of Snail Games China, the parent company of Studio Wildcard. This accusation led to Myth of Empires’ removal from Steam following a formal complaint by Studio Wildcard.
Despite Angela Game’s denial of these allegations, the conflict escalated to legal proceedings. The dispute lingered in a legal limbo until October 2023, when a settlement was reached.
In an unexpected turn of events, Snail Games and Studio Wildcard formed a partnership with Angela Game. This collaboration not only facilitated Myth of Empires’ return to Steam but also paved the way for its introduction to console platforms.
As Myth of Empires readies itself for a grand Steam re-entry, a closed technical playtest is currently underway, running until January 30. This test provides an opportunity for gamers to explore the game’s intricacies and innovations. The playtest features 18 servers distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia, with plans to expand based on player participation.
The game promises a rich, immersive experience with its established Zhongzhou map and a new region, DongZhou, which boasts a diverse landscape of islets, volcanoes, seas, and ships. Players can also anticipate a thrilling new boss fight.
Interested players can request access to the Myth of Empires playtest on its Steam page. While immediate access isn’t guaranteed—indicating a high level of interest—developers assure that all registrants will eventually receive an invitation. This approach aims to stress test the servers in preparation for the full launch.
