The Settlers: Kingdoms of Anteria is now Champions of Anteria, but Settlers franchise isn't done yet

Now we know what happened to The Settlers: Kingdoms of Anteria, the eight installment in the popular strategy game series from Blue Byte Software, which mysteriously disappeared after it was announced in 2014. It turns out that Ubisoft really took to heart the fans’ criticism and decided to completely change the game’s concept. Now, the project has been reborn under the new title, Champions of Anteria, so it’s no longer a Settlers game. But don’t worry, Blue Byte assured us that “The Settlers are alive and kicking”.

You will be able to take three heroes on a mission.

With a focus on diverse, party-based missions, character progression and real-time combat with active pause, Champions of Anteria will be more of a tactical RPG than a strategy game. The kingdom management gameplay will be present too, but only as an interlude between missions. That is also when you will be able to craft armor and weapons and prepare potions. At the end of each turn you’ll get to open the world map, pick the next mission target and send your selected heroes there. Other highlights include MMO-like boss fights, hand-drawn cut scenes, light-hearted humor, and a campaign lasting 20 hours of gameplay. Champions of Anteria is due to launch on PC on August 30, 2016, priced at €30.

Weapons and other items useful during missions can be crafted in your city.