Might & Magic: Chess Royale

Might & Magic: Chess Royale
Game information
Developer	Ubisoft
Publisher	Ubisoft
Series	Might & Magic
Release	January 29, 2020
Genre	Autobattle
Technical data
Format	Microsoft Windows, macOS, Android

Might & Magic: Chess Royale is a free-to-play real-time multiplayer autobattler developed and published by Ubisoft. The game fused elements of auto chess and battle royale genres, featuring 100-player. The game marked a departure from traditional turn-based strategy entries in the franchise, instead emphasizing fast-paced, streamlined competition. The game was shutdown in March 2023.

Gameplay

Might & Magic: Chess Royale reimagined the auto chess genre with a battle royale twist. Players assembled armies of units and heroes from the Might & Magic lore, aiming to eliminate 99 opponents through strategic unit placement and synergies. Matches lasted approximately 10 minutes, with elimination occurring after three losses.

Core Mechanics

• Unit Recruitment and Synergies: Players drafted units from a shared pool, combining duplicates to upgrade them. Synergies-groupings of units with shared traits (e.g., Mages, Assassins)-granted stat boosts. For example, three Warriors might unlock a “Stronghold” synergy, enhancing frontline defense.
• Spells and Hero Systems: Later updates introduced 14 Heroes (e.g., Catherine, Gelu) with unique abilities, such as healing allies or damaging enemies. These replaced traditional items, offering board-wide effects.
• Battlefield Layout: Units were arranged on a 3x8 grid, prioritizing simplicity over tactical depth. Frontline tanks (e.g., Knights) shielded ranged attackers (e.g., Valkyries), mirroring auto chess positioning strategies.

Distinct Features

• 100-Player Elimination: Unlike traditional auto chess (which pits ~8 players against each other), Chess Royale featured a “last man standing” format. Players rotated opponents each round, with eliminations tracked via a global leaderboard.
• Streamlined Economy: Gold rewards were standardized, eliminating traditional auto chess mechanics like interest bonuses. This design choice accelerated gameplay but reduced strategic depth.

Development and Release

Ubisoft Bordeaux and Ubisoft Paris Mobile developed the game as part of a broader strategy to revive the Might & Magic IP through mobile-friendly, genre-blending titles. Chess Royale launched on January 29, 2020, for PC and mobile, with a macOS release following in March 2020.

Heroes Reborn Update

A major May 2020 update added 14 Heroes, each with passive and triggered abilities. Catherine, for instance, summoned a healing Seraph during low-health situations, while Gelu unleashed arrow volleys against clustered enemies. This update aimed to deepen strategic complexity but faced criticism for not fully integrating Might & Magic lore.

Technical Specifications

The game utilized Unity 2019 and supported cross-platform play.

Reception

Critical Response

• Positive Feedback: Reviewers praised its accessibility and brevity. PC Gamer noted it “emerged as a streamlined, fast-paced alternative” to complex autobattlers like Teamfight Tactics, ideal for casual players. Rock Paper Shotgun highlighted its “quick, simple, and tasty” rounds, though questioned its long-term depth.
• Criticisms: Critics lamented the shallow use of Might & Magic lore, with heroes and units appearing as “static player avatars” rather than integral narrative elements. The 3x8 grid and simplified synergies were seen as limiting tactical options compared to competitors.

Community Sentiment

Players appreciated the game’s “time killer” potential and fast matches but criticized Ubisoft’s post-launch support and abrupt shutdown in March 2023. The community condemned the publisher for continuing monetization efforts (e.g., DLC sales) until the server closure, which some labeled “fraudulent”.

Commercial Performance

While Ubisoft did not disclose revenue figures, the game’s mobile-first design and free-to-play model aligned with the publisher’s strategy for the Might & Magic IP, which included other mobile titles like Era of Chaos. Its shutdown reflected broader challenges in sustaining niche autobattlers against genre giants like Auto Chess.