One of the most interesting sights at TwitchCon was Quantic Dream bringing a new game that noticeably steps outside of its usual wheelhouse. *Spellcasters Chronicles* is a far cry from the narrative-driven single-player adventures the studio is known for. While the studio’s press release describes the game as a “team-based 3v3 action-strategy game,” I know a MOBA when I see one.
As far as MOBAs go, *Spellcasters Chronicles* was pretty fun, but I couldn’t help feeling like I’ve seen this story play out before. That tells me the game has a challenging road ahead.
### Gameplay Overview
*Spellcasters Chronicles* mixes third-person perspective action with the unit-summoning mechanics of a strategy game like *StarCraft*. Players take on the role of a Spellcaster, each specializing in a different kind of magic, and team up with two allies for 3v3 sessions. Spellcasters fall into three categories: Enchanters, Conquerors, and Duelists, each offering a distinct playstyle.
Once the match begins, the gameplay unfolds much like a traditional MOBA, with teams pushing down multiple lanes aiming to destroy the enemy’s Lifestone. However, one of the key differences in *Spellcasters Chronicles* is that minions or creeps are not provided automatically. Instead, it’s the Spellcasters themselves who must summon them using their resources.
These summoned units can be small, gnome-sized creatures that swarm and attempt to seize territory through sheer numbers, or larger units capable of holding their own in battle. Meanwhile, the Spellcasters can move freely around the battlefield. Being magic users, they can fly in all directions, enabling intense 3D battles against other player-controlled characters and offering diverse tactical options when dealing with opposing NPC creatures.
### Strategic Depth
Players have flexibility in how they approach the game, but it’s important to note that Spellcasters can only summon creatures while standing in their own territory. This forces players to consider whether it’s better to stay safe and keep the creature assembly line rolling or risk venturing out to assist teammates or attack the enemy.
In my single 15-20 minute session, the game felt fast-paced, with frequent character leveling. MOBA veterans will find the pacing and flow familiar. The action notably picked up toward the end of the match, as leveling up provided more summoning resources. This ultimately allowed players to summon Titan characters—massive giants who stride toward the enemy Lifestone, which only the player-controlled Spellcasters can stop.
### Early Impressions and Challenges Ahead
By the time the enemy Lifestone fell, I enjoyed my time with Quantic Dream’s latest endeavor. However, after years covering games, the whole sequence felt familiar. It reminded me most of *Paragon*, Epic Games’ ill-fated attempt at a third-person action MOBA hybrid. *Paragon* was just one of many games to try this formula—and most have failed for various reasons.
That’s not to say *Spellcasters Chronicles* will share the same fate. Rather, it highlights the challenging path ahead for Quantic Dream. Succeeding in the modern MOBA landscape is no small feat.
### Looking Ahead: Features and Community Integration
Despite the obstacles, *Spellcasters Chronicles* shows promise based on what I’ve seen so far. The game is still scratching the surface, with the development team planning to introduce a deck-building element that will add even more variety to gameplay.
There’s also talk of incorporating a choice-driven narrative worthy of the Quantic Dream name. The studio promises that at the end of each season, the community will collaborate on major decisions that impact both gameplay and lore moving forward.
If the game delivers on these ideas, it stands a chance to accomplish what many others in the MOBA space have not.
### Availability and Next Steps
*Spellcasters Chronicles* is coming soon to PC. Sign-ups for the game’s closed beta are available now on the official *Spellcasters Chronicles* website. It’s a project worth watching as it continues to develop.
—
Stay tuned for more updates as Quantic Dream shapes this exciting new entry into the competitive online arena.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146422/spellcasters-chronicles-twitchcon-2025-preview
About the Author
