Reign of Swords to get iPhone sequel
And a version to play on social networks too
We've been big fans of Punch Entertainment's multiplayer strategy game Mobile Battles: Reign of Swords since it appeared on mobile early last year, carrying through to its iPhone version (called simply Reign of Swords).
So we're happy to report that it's getting a sequel. Punch CEO Tobin Lent dropped us a line to confirm that the company is working on new episodes in the series, kicking off early this Summer with Episode II.
"Episode II will be a continuation of the Reign storyline and will feature new maps, new terrains, new units and new gameplay elements," he says.
"Also, players that have played Reign of Swords will have some advantages in Episode II by bringing in the army they’ve built up, and also getting access to certain units available to only those who have played the original Reign."
It's no surprise that Punch is working on a sequel: the original has been very successful. Lent says that more than 500,000 people have played the game, with tens of thousands of network multiplayer battles being fought daily.
Indeed, since the original mobile game launched in early 2008 more than five million online battles have taken place, and the publisher has built up a thriving community at its Mobile Battles website.
Lent says that the game's multiplayer and community features have been key to its long lifespan.
"We think multiplayer games have a place in the mobile environment and have distinct advantages over other games, the number one element being staying power. A good multiplayer game can really fuel the viral effect through community and word-of-mouth."
Talking of word-of-mouth, Lent also says Punch plans to launch a version of Reign of Swords that can be played within web browsers and social networks - which will include the ability to battle against mobile, iPhone and PC players.
