Unlike other MOBAs, Strife is built entirely around the idea of a collective, contributing community. Predicated on creating a more connected multiplayer experience that incentivizes cooperation, Strife streamlines communication between players with innovative, in-client social systems and rewards players for team collaboration, not simply placing highest on a leaderboard. It also employs design elements that instruct and inform, providing immediate feedback for genre newcomers and veterans alike.

Strife aims to make strides in MOBA storytelling, delivering an engrossing world with a layered backstory to further connect players with the heroes they choose. It all begins when the invasion of the Dharkwave, harbingers of darkness foretold by prophecy, is imminent, promising catastrophe upon the world. Its only hope is an Army of Light, forged in the crucible of battle to hold the line against their impending arrival. Players must overcome “The Trials of Strife,” as well as one another, to prove themselves as champions worthy to face the Dharkwave.

Instilling in players personal attachments to their heroes as much informs S2’s approach to art and character design as it does lore, producing units that are not only fun and intuitive to control, but that each feature their own definitive style. Everything from the pets they fight with to the crafted weapons and items they bring to battle is informed by the look, feel and personality of each hero. These customizable character choices encourage players to experiment, adapting tactics appropriate to personal play style.

S2 focused their knowledge and industry experience on an engaging, enjoyable, team PvP game. One key design goal was to evolve the genre to create a more accessible MOBA with a high skill ceiling. Strife offers a rich experience that rewards everyone on the team for their role in victory. New features launching with Open Beta include single player content that allows players to interact with Strife's lore, a companion app that allows players to check stats, craft items, and earn free resources from anywhere, and a partnership with Curse Voice to allow players to easily connect with friends.

"Our vision for Strife can be best explained by examining the globally beloved sport of Soccer," said Marc DeForest, CEO and Co-Founder of S2 Games. "The way I'd play soccer with my kids is completely different from the way I'd play competitively in college or the way World Cup teams battle professionally. We designed Strife to be a game as accessible as soccer, to be enjoyed by players of all skill levels."

To support the community and make it easier for people to find friends to form teams and queue, S2 Games also announced full Curse Voice integration for Strife. "Curse is extremely excited to be partnering with S2 for their upcoming MOBA title Strife. Having Curse Voice on day 1 of such a huge title is an incredible opportunity for us to bring the best communication platform for gamers into an exciting new take on the MOBA genre," said Hubert Thieblot, Curse CEO.

Fans interested in trying the Strife open beta can now sign up and download the game.

The development team embraces the philosophy that action is king. Strife's concise game map and out of combat regeneration keeps all members of the team close to the action. Less specifically designed rolls lead to increased versatility, freedom and enjoyment of gameplay. Less time building a foundation in lane leads to more matches. Deeply collaborative development through community feedback creates an open dialogue for players to communicate with the development team and affect future design decisions.

Strife promises a realm of conflict, competition and glory.

The Strife development team is on hand in S2 Games booth, #3746, to celebrate this milestone with the gaming community and demo the game.