Heroes of Might and Magic
Turn-based fantasy strategy series with mythical armies.
Heroes of Might and Magic (abbreviated HoMM), known as Might & Magic Heroes from 2011 to 2024, is a series of turn-based, fantasy-themed strategy video games created by Jon Van Caneghem through New World Computing. The series began in 1995 and is part of the larger Might and Magic franchise, changing ownership when New World Computing was acquired by The 3DO Company and again when 3DO closed and sold the rights to Ubisoft. The games involve players controlling armies of mythical creatures, with heroes that gain experience and magic, and have been released on multiple platforms including MS-DOS, Windows, Mac, Game Boy Color, iOS, and Android.
- creator
- Jon Van Caneghem
- original_developer
- New World Computing
- current_publisher
- Ubisoft
- first_release
- 1995
- latest_release
- Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era (2026)
- genre
- Turn-based strategy
- platforms
- MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows, Mac, Game Boy Color, iOS, Android
Lore & Background
The Heroes of Might and Magic series was created by Jon Van Caneghem through New World Computing, with the first title released in 1995. The series is part of the Might and Magic franchise and changed ownership when New World Computing was acquired by The 3DO Company, and again when 3DO closed and sold the rights to Ubisoft. New World Computing closed after the production of Heroes of Might and Magic IV, after which Ubisoft owned the rights. Subsequent main entries were developed by Nival Interactive (Heroes V), Black Hole Entertainment (Heroes VI), and Limbic Entertainment (Heroes VII), with Unfrozen developing the 2026 entry Olden Era.
Reader's Guide
The Heroes of Might and Magic series is significant as a long-running turn-based strategy franchise that began in 1995 and has seen seven main numbered installments, with an eighth, Olden Era, released in 2026. The series pioneered the combination of hero progression, resource management, and tactical combat with mythical creatures, influencing the strategy genre. Its ownership history—from New World Computing to 3DO to Ubisoft—reflects broader industry consolidation. The series expanded to multiple platforms, including mobile with the 2015 HD Edition of Heroes III, and spawned spin-offs such as Dark Messiah of Might and Magic and Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes. The early games were initially released for MS-DOS, then later Microsoft Windows, with sporadic support for Mac, and Heroes III was ported to Linux. The series also includes numerous anthologies and special editions, such as the Heroes of Might and Magic Compendium and the Might & Magic Heroes Collection.
Did You Know?
- The series was known as Might & Magic Heroes from 2011 to 2024.
- New World Computing closed after the production of Heroes of Might and Magic IV.
- The 2015 remake Heroes of Might and Magic III: HD Edition was the first series entry supported on mobile (iOS and Android).
- King's Bounty, produced by New World Computing in 1990, largely anticipated the design of Heroes and is included in some Heroes anthologies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who created Heroes of Might and Magic and when did the series begin?
Jon Van Caneghem developed the franchise at New World Computing, with the first title shipping in 1995. It is a turn-based fantasy strategy game where players command armies of mythical creatures while leveling up heroes through combat and spellcasting.
Why was the series briefly called Might & Magic Heroes?
After Ubisoft acquired the rights following 3DO's shutdown of New World Computing, the brand was rebranded as 'Might & Magic Heroes' beginning in 2011. The original 'Heroes of Might and Magic' name was restored in 2024.
What is the newest entry in the Heroes of Might and Magic line?
Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era is the latest installment, set to release in 2026. It carries forward the core loop of recruiting fantasy armies, exploring a tile-based map, and resolving conflicts through tactical turn-based battles.
How does Heroes of Might and Magic fit within the larger Might and Magic universe?
The series started as a spin-off of the broader Might and Magic RPG franchise, which New World Computing originally built around open-world exploration and character progression. Over time the Heroes line developed its own distinct identity as a dedicated tactical strategy sub-franchise rather than a direct continuation of the main RPG titles.
On what platforms has Heroes of Might and Magic been released?
The games have appeared on a wide range of hardware, from the original MS-DOS era through modern PC and console ports. As current publisher, Ubisoft has overseen releases across multiple platforms throughout the series' history.
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