The survival MMO Myth of Empires made headlines a few weeks ago when it was removed from the Steam shop due to accusations against the developers of ARK: Survival Evolved. It is now back for sale – just not on Steam.
What happened? After a successful launch on Steam, the survival MMO Myth of Empires quickly disappeared from the shop. The reason is a complaint from ARK developer Wildcard Studios.
In a statement, it was mentioned that Angela Game, the developer behind Myth of Empires, illegally used the source code of ARK: Survival Evolved as the basis for their survival MMO.
The studio and the associated publisher started an investigation, the results of which were presented to Valve in December 2021. Soon after, the decision was made to remove the survival MMO from sale via Steam.
Until the situation is resolved, Myth of Empires remains removed from the store. However, it seems that the creators of the MMO did not want to wait for that and found a way to bring it back.
Myth of Empires bypasses Steam ban with its own launcher
This is how the MMO is now available again: If you did not purchase the game before it was removed from the Steam store, you have not been able to buy it since early December.
Angela Game has now circumvented this with a trick. Myth of Empires is now simply available via a dedicated launcher. Since January 17, you can buy the game again through this method (via mythofempires.com).
Are there differences compared to the Steam version? No. The new version does not differ in content or price from the Steam version.
Only the name is different. The new version is called “Myth of Empires – International Vanguard Edition” and should receive all updates in the future as well, just like the Steam version.
However, you need to create a separate account for the launcher to log in to the servers.
This is likely a reaction to the failed attempt to bring the game back to the Steam shop in early January. Developer Angela Game wanted to obtain a preliminary injunction and thus overturn the ban.
This was rejected by the California court due to “significant evidence.”
What are the ARK creators demanding? They want damages and the profits gained from the sale of “Myth of Empires.” Additionally, they want the alleged code thieves to destroy all devices with unauthorized code.
This chapter is far from over. You can find everything about it in the report by our editorial director Gerd Schuhmann.
How is it going with the survival MMO? Despite the incident with the ARK creators, Myth of Empires remains popular. On average, there have been around 18,000 players active simultaneously over the last 30 days. (via steamcharts.com)
What exactly is Myth of Empires? It is an open-world game for PC that is heavily reminiscent of games like ARK or Conan Exiles. The combat system, on the other hand, is more akin to hardcore games like Mordhau and Mount & Blade.
You create your own character and explore the game world, which is very reminiscent of ancient China. According to the developers, the setting is supposed to be “realistic and historical,” without many fantasy elements.
Features include PvE and PvP modes, sieges, building settlements and fortresses, as well as crafting and NPC companions.
You start like in many survival games with your character in any area and immediately begin the first tasks.
The first activities introduce you to the mechanics and various systems until you gradually face increasingly challenging tasks. You can read more about it in the preview report by MeinMMO editor and survival expert Benedict Grothaus:
New open-world MMO Myth of Empires plays like Conan Exiles in ancient China
