Might and Magic
A pioneering science fantasy RPG series spanning multiple decades.
Might and Magic is a role-playing video game series blending fantasy and science fiction, originally created by New World Computing. In 1996, New World Computing became part of The 3DO Company. The original run of games ended when 3DO shut down. Ubisoft later bought the rights to the Might and Magic name for US$1.3 million and launched a new series under that brand, starting with *Heroes of Might and Magic V* and *Dark Messiah of Might and Magic*, which have no clear link to the earlier storyline.
The main series includes *Might and Magic Book One: The Secret of the Inner Sanctum* (1986), *Might and Magic II: Gates to Another World* (1988), *Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra* (1991), *Might and Magic IV: Clouds of Xeen* (1992), *Might and Magic V: Darkside of Xeen* (1993), *Might and Magic: World of Xeen* (1994), *Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven* (1998), *Might and Magic VII: For Blood and Honor* (1999), *Might and Magic VIII: Day of the Destroyer* (2000), *Might and Magic IX: Writ of Fate* (2002), and *Might & Magic X: Legacy* (2014). Spin-offs include the long-running *Heroes of Might and Magic* series, *Crusaders of Might and Magic*, *Warriors of Might and Magic*, *Shifters of Might and Magic*, *Legends of Might and Magic*, *Might and Magic: Heroes Kingdoms*, the fan-made *Swords of Xeen*, and the upcoming *Might and Magic: Fates* (2026). After 3DO filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August 2003, Ubisoft acquired the franchise for US$1.3 million. Ubisoft has since released several new projects, including *Heroes of Might and Magic V* (developed by Nival), *Dark Messiah of Might and Magic* (by Arkane Studios), *Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes* (by Capybara Games), and the mobile strategy RPG *Might & Magic: Elemental Guardians*.
Most gameplay takes place in medieval fantasy settings, but later sections often shift to science fiction themes, with this transition frequently serving as a plot twist. Players control a party of characters from various classes, viewed from a first-person perspective. Early games share an interface similar to *Bard's Tale*, while from *Might and Magic VI* onward, the interface uses a three-dimensional environment. Combat is turn-based, though later games let players choose real-time combat. Game worlds are large, offering dozens of hours of play, and are combat-heavy, often involving large groups of enemies. Monsters
- first_release
- Might and Magic Book One: The Secret of the Inner Sanctum (1986)
- developer
- New World Computing
- publisher_original
- The 3DO Company (subsidiary from 1996)
- publisher_current
- Ubisoft (rights acquired 2003)
- genre
- Science fantasy role-playing
- notable_spin_off
- Heroes of Might and Magic series
Lore & Background
The Might and Magic series began in 1986 with Might and Magic Book One: The Secret of the Inner Sanctum, released on multiple platforms including Apple II, Mac, MS-DOS, Commodore 64, NES, MSX, and PC Engine CD-ROM². The main series continued through nine numbered titles, concluding with Might and Magic IX: Writ of Fate in 2002. The games are set in a fictional galaxy overseen by a powerful race called the Ancients, who seeded planets with various humanoid races. The overarching plot blends fantasy gameplay with a science fiction background, often revealed as a plot twist. The first five games follow the renegade android Sheltem and his pursuer Corak, while the sixth through eighth games take place on the planet Enroth and involve the Kreegan, demon-like enemies of the Ancients. Might and Magic IX and Heroes IV are set on Axeoth after Enroth's destruction.
Reader's Guide
Might and Magic is considered one of the defining examples of early role-playing video games, alongside The Bard's Tale, Ultima, and Wizardry. By March 1994, combined sales of the series totaled 1 million units, rising to 2.5 million by November 1996 and 4 million by March 1999. The series is noted for its large game worlds, turn-based combat (with later games offering real-time options), and first-person perspective. After the closure of The 3DO Company, Ubisoft acquired the franchise rights and rebooted it with Heroes of Might and Magic V and Dark Messiah of Might and Magic, set in a new high fantasy world called Ashan with no science fiction elements. The original setting remained abandoned until the 2025 game Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era, a prequel set on Enroth's continent Jadame. The series has spawned numerous spin-offs, including the long-running Heroes of Might and Magic series, Crusaders of Might and Magic, Warriors of Might and Magic, and others.
Did You Know?
- The series was produced by Jon Van Caneghem, who cited The Twilight Zone and a Star Trek episode as inspirations.
- The first five games concern the renegade android Sheltem, who throws worlds into suns.
- Ubisoft purchased the Might and Magic rights for US$1.3 million in August 2003 after 3DO filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
- Might & Magic X: Legacy (2014) is set in the separate high fantasy world of Ashan, with no science fiction elements.
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