BioWare Announces Next Story-Driven RPG, Shadow Realms, Today at Gamescom

Today in Germany during EA's Gamescom briefing, the publisher's BioWare Austin studio announced Shadow Realms, a multiplayer-focused online game, launching in 2015 for PC. This is the game BioWare has been teasing for the past two weeks.

Set in a modern fantasy world, Shadow Realms is an "online-only" RPG that will offer cooperative 4v1 gameplay, BioWare Austin general manager Jeff Hickman said during the briefing. Four players can fight against an enemy known as the Shadowlord, or you can play as the Shadowlord.

"This game brings us back to our roots in the realm of classic Pen and Paper RPG, but also delivers something that’s completely new and innovative for our fans," Hickman said in a subsequent press release. "Shadow Realms is a new BioWare RPG that has the hallmarks of all BioWare games with a rich story, a unique world setting, and deep combat progression, but built as an interactive experience that evolves the genre and broadens the appeal to online gamers all over the world."

Concerning the story for Shadow Realms, the game takes place as heroes on Earth, who did not know they even had magical powers, are being awakened and recruited to fight against a force known as the Shadow Legions of Embra. The story will be told over various episodes, playing out over time like a TV show, BioWare says.

Shadow Realms launches in late 2015 for PC. You can sign up for access to the game's closed alpha period today by visiting the game's website. The website also contains loads of details about Shadow Realms' classes, gameplay, and more.

EA's Gamescom briefing has now ended. You can read a recap of our liveblog here.