A campaign for a new fantasy MMORPG has launched on Kickstarter: Scars of Honor. The free-to-play MMORPG is set to offer 10 classes and is scheduled for release in 2026. Scars of Honor aims to bring back the golden age of online role-playing games and is clearly inspired by WoW. This sounds like it should raise skepticism at first, but the MMORPG surprises with expertise: They have consulted MMORPG expert Josh Strife Hayes for advice.
What kind of game is this?
- The development of “Scars of Honor” began in 2021. Currently, 60 people are working on the game, which is set to be released in Q1 2026 for PC and mobile. They aim to provide complete crossplay, so you can continue on mobile where you left off on PC.
- The developers promise a “free-to-play model” without pay-to-win.
- There will be 10 classes and 8 races. Localization for German is also planned.
What is being sought on Kickstarter? On Kickstarter, they are looking for the somewhat meager amount of $200,000 for an MMORPG. With a contribution of $24, you receive an account for the game. However, you can also spend $1,900 to snag numerous gimmicks and appear as your own monument in the game.
The vibe of the game is: MMORPGs were great in the past and are terrible today
What is the message of the MMORPG: The message is very clear: “MMORPGs were great in the past and are terrible today.” They have specifically invited a YouTuber, Mrs. STIX from MMOBYTE, to clarify: This is not nostalgia, but simply a fact. She never played the old MMORPGs back then, so she does not have a distorted view but a clear perspective: MMORPGs were great in the past, and now they just aren’t as good.
However, the developers are fully embracing the nostalgia melody: Back in the day, people would meet up with friends and play for nights on end.
The mechanics of Scars of Honor should therefore bring back the “old values”; one should play together with the community and not alone.
This experience from the past is what they want to bring back, improved and modernized.
The classes and races of Scars of Honor:
Why should one be skeptical? The pure facts initially speak against this MMORPG: A new studio, Kickstarter, mobile, it looks like “WoW ordered from Wish” – these are actually all signs that MMORPG players should be skeptical.
The release date of Q1 2026 also sounds like it could certainly be postponed several times.
MMORPG expert Josh Strife Hayes appears in the video
Why should one be optimistic? The developers have launched an initiative and brought YouTubers on board to provide feedback. This includes MMOBYTE, Callum Upton, but also Josh Strife Hayes – which is noteworthy.
The YouTuber Hayes is considered an incorruptible authority – not least because he is British and speaks with a slightly snobbish accent. Hayes seems to see potential in Scars of Honor (via youtube).
He met the team, looked at the ideas, and everything looked really good, says the distinguished Brit. He explains to the developers what is particularly important for an MMORPG, such as a stable server structure or good controls – WASD is crucial and it should feel good to jump.
Why is the MMORPG interesting? A pledge on Kickstarter should not be recommended just because Josh Strife Hayes dropped by for a coffee and a video. However, the fact that the MMORPG authority is connecting with the game is indeed unusual.
This certainly shows that the developers can look into the hearts of MMORPG players. Also, the whole vibe of the game, “like back when you really loved WoW,” could work.
However, this is also precisely the vibe that WildStar exuded about 10 years ago and we can painfully remember how that turned out.
However, it should also be considered: Not only has WoW changed since 2005, but the players from back then have also aged. Back then, they could still game all night with friends. If they do that today, they probably get in trouble with their boss or their wife – or both.
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