At GDC earlier this year we announced Idea System, a platform for social games. This came nearly a year after our announcement of HeroCloud, a platform for Massively Multiplayer RPG games.
We initially decided to launch Idea System and HeroCloud as separate platforms with differentiated server architecture and feature sets. These services were crafted to specifically target the needs of an MMORPG game on HeroCloud, or a social game on the Idea System. Since both platforms included the HeroEngine toolset, they already provided much of each others’ technology.
Throughout the course of the early access programs for both HeroCloud and Idea System it became clear that game makers looking towards the future of online game development wanted aspects of both platforms for their games. They wanted huge MMOs that could be accessed via Facebook and a stand alone client simultaneously, and they wanted social games with synchronous multiplayer interaction.
From all the feedback came a new direction. There is now one tool for all developers. No confusing options, no limitations. One tool to make, publish, and host any type of online game; including a combination of every type of online game. We can’t wait to see the first online “Tetris / Farming / Elf Wizard” hybrid.
There is no Pro or Basic option, no Idea System vs. HeroCloud. It’s all HeroCloud now.