Dragon Empires is an upcoming massively multiplayer RPG from Codemasters.  The game takes place in the world of Fortitude, where dragons and humans coexist side by side, a world drawn from the imagination of Piers Anthony.

The world of Dragon Empires is a 3D world rendered with a fractal terrain engine that produces some of the most spectacular landscape ever seen in a MMORPG.  A look at the screenshots will attest to the power of the game's graphics engine.  Not only is the landscape beautiful, it is expansive as well, with over 24 square miles of terrain and 15 cities to explore.

The landscape also produces resources which can be collected for use.  The game features an ambitious economic model in which all equipment in the game must be manufactured.  Players can become a vital part of this economy by choosing to specialize in trader or manufacturer roles.

The game also provides for players more interested in pursuing a career more political in nature.  The game's world is divided between five empires that compete for its cities and resources, creating political maneuvering and intrigue to satisfy players who pursue the ruler or politician paths.

For those who enjoy bashing a few heads, there are outlaws and the bounty hunters who pursue them, as well as soldiers who can align with one of the game's factions.  Dragon Empires will give players plenty of opportunity for conflict, not just against the creatures of the land, but against each other as well.  The game will fully support player versus player combat, and will even award you experience for killing another player.  With up to 1,500 people per game world, there will be plenty of opportunities to try your luck against other players.  You'll also have plenty of room to experiment with different techniques and strategies - the game supports hundreds of combat moves and spells.

The game will be more than a player-killing free for all.  The division of the land into five factions was done to encourage cooperation and clan versus clan battles.  You'll be able to create or join a clan, and move as a force to take control of one of the game's cities.  As the game progresses, the clan and empire conflicts will help shape the world itself.

Look for Dragon Empires at the end of 2002 or early 2003.  We'll keep you up to date as more details on the game become available.