Independent digital creation group Ankama announced that the long-awaited tactical massively multiplayer online role-playing game Wakfu will come out of beta in February 2012 and launch worldwide, with game publisher Square Enix having secured the North American rights.
The game will be free to play, although there will be a store for cosmetic items, and those who pay a monthly $6 subscription will get premium content.
Fans are already familiar with the cross-media property, since Islands of Wakfu, a spinoff of the game, was released on March 30 for the Xbox Live Arcade. There’s also Ankama Animation’s related French-language animated series, manga and other tie-ins.
Wakfu (pictured) is set in the same world but a millennium after Dofus, Ankama’s earlier (and very popular) MMORPG. There are up to 14 separate and customizable character classes who engage in missions and turn-based combat throughout the continuously evolving ecosystem.
“Wakfu ‘s deep political and combat system combined with an ever-changing ecosystem delivers an exceptional MMORPG unlike any other product in its category,” said Mona Hamilton, vice president of marketing for Square Enix. “The team at Ankama created a unique, fun and entertaining online game and we believe a monthly subscription fee and online store makes for a rewarding experience all players can enjoy.”
Square Enix develops, publishes, distributes and licenses Square Enix, Eidos and Taito branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix Group. It is best known for Final Fantasy, which has sold over 100 million units worldwide; Dragon Quest, which has sold over 58 million units worldwide; Tomb Raider, which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary Space Invaders.
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