Red 5 Studios, an online game developer founded by World of Warcraft team lead Mark Kern, announced its first title at the Penny Arcade Expo this weekend.
Firefall is a team-based action shooter that will pit hundreds of players against each other in intense competitive multiplayer and large-scale cooperative gameplay in a lush, dynamic open world.
The game takes place on Earth, 200 years in the future. The discovery of a new, clean energy source, Crystite, leads to the disastrous arrival of the Melding, a hostile energy storm that engulfs the planet. Players will have to protect Earth through the use of high-tech battleframes, which will be customizable, and will unlock the power of Firefall’s class-based combat. Battleframes will allow players to specialize in their favorite style of play, whether it’s support, stealth, or all-out assault.
“When I founded Red 5, I knew I wanted to do something different than anything I’d done before.” says CEO and Chief Creative Officer Mark Kern. “I wanted to take the best of what I learned making online games and bring that to skill-based shooters.”
Scott Youngblood, former lead designer behind groundbreaking multiplayer shooter Tribes, couldn’t agree more. “When Mark brought me on to help design Firefall, it was obvious to me that he was dedicated to building something different. With Firefall, I’m finally able to make the game of my dreams.”
Firefall will feature a free-to-play model. Updates to the game, dynamic world events, and other content will also be offered for free, while optional enhancements will be available through the game’s marketplace.
Firefall is due for release near the end of 2011. Right now, though, Red 5 Studios is currently accepting applications for the beta program. Those who wish to sign up can visit Firefall’s official Web site at http://www.firefallthegame.com.
