5. Could you describe us the process of re-creating a universe like this one? What are the key areas you are working on?

Our first task is to design a common background: a brand new fantasy world complete with history, geography, politics, culture, etc.

Then, we build a common “identity”: a tone, an atmosphere, a style that will permeate all the facets of any future M&M products from the global concepts (dramatic themes, general mood, etc.) to the more specific details (graphic codes and symbols, musical leitmotivs, etc.).

Finally, because we are talking about games, we must also create a common set of “core rules”: What is mana and how do we use it? What is a paladin or a fireball in our world? These things seem pretty basic, but you really need to nail down your definitions early–it’s amazing how many things can cascade off of simple things like this.

6. What are your inspirations for this new universe?

We’ve been heavily inspired by seminal fantasy authors like J.R.R. Tolkien (of course), but also Michael Moorcock, Guy Gavriel Kay, Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, Glen Cook and George R.R. Martin. These are authors whose worlds and stories are both epic and tragic, with the perfect balance of horror and wonder.

7. On the graphical aspect, what orientation can we expect from future M&M games?

Let us say that it’s time for Dorothy to ride the dark whirlwind and leave the gentle lighthearted fantasy of Axeoth behind. Ahead lays a world of blood and shadows, of jagged blades and voracious flames, of sweet lies and bitter poison…

That’s where we’re taking you, and the best part is, you’ll going to ask for more 

8. Why did you decide to work with Olivier Ledroit on this project? Could you introduce him to us?

Olivier Ledroit is a French Comic book artist, very popular in Europe, best known for his first series Les Chroniques de la Lune Noire (“The Black Moon Chronicles”, 1989-2005).

He has more recently worked with the British writer Pat Mills (of Marshal Law and Slaine fame) on several “dark horror” series such as Sha or Requiem.

Olivier is an extremely talented artist, and his dark baroque fantasy universe was one of our main graphic inspirations for the new M&M world. So the logical step was to ask him to contribute on the project, and you easily imagine our extreme excitement when we he accepted the assignment 


9. Regarding Heroes of Might & Magic V, why was it important to have this new universe?

Simply because Heroes of Might & Magic V will be the first M&M game published by Ubisoft, and as such, it will really lay the bases for the “reborn” brand

So the events of the single-player campaign you’ll play in Heroes V will have direct repercussions in all the M&M games to be released in the coming years. Here is where the avalanche starts, and it’s going to be a hell of a ride down.

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