New PvP-focused Jagged Alliance Online to Launch on Steam

We’ve just been sent a press release announcing that a new, retooled and PvP-focused version of Jagged Alliance Online will launch on Steam this Spring, free of charge. Apparently, instead of relying on the usual free-to-play monetization tactics, the folks at Cliffhanger Productions will make money by selling optional single player content for the title, which I have to admit is a pretty interesting tactic. Here’s the full PR:

Jagged Alliance, Armed for PvP on Steam

Vienna, May 15, 2013 Jagged Alliance Online brings PvP-centric gameplay to the classic strategy series when it launches on Steam this spring. Featuring modern firepower, squad combat, and turn-based gameplay, Jagged Alliance Online for Steam will be the first in the series to focus on the competitive experience, with optional content for single-player.

Disregarding typical free-to-play tactics, Jagged Alliance Online will offer all PvP content, including 40+ mercenaries and 500+ items, free of charge. Cliffhanger Productions assures players that everything can be purchased through regular play, with cash purchases offered only as secondary alternatives. Optionally, a single-player content pack containing 100+ hours of gameplay will be available for purchase.

(Jagged Alliance is all about superior tactics (and big guns, of course), so that means providing every player with a chance of winning based on tactical choices, and not any outside factors such as paid items,) says Cliffhanger Productions Founder and Creative Director, Jan Wagner, and continues, (The PvP part is also what makes us stand out from all the Jagged Alliance games, I believe, since no matter how good an AI is, in the end, the true challenge is another player. I am glad we could finally do the game the way we wanted.)

About Jagged Alliance Online
Lead your outfit to become the greatest mercenary company in the world. Compete in turn-based, tactical PvP duels against other mercenary teams or take on challenging contracts around the globe with our Campaign Pack. Match your tactical skills against thousands of other players to win Warzones with your allies, and climb to the top of the leaderboards to be the most feared mercenary company.

PvP Features:
– Build your company from 40+ mercenaries with unique attributes.
– 500+ weapons and items, and crafting to improve your weapons and armor.
– PvP leaderboards, skill-based matchmaking, and tournaments.
– Compete in Warzone events for rare weapons and items.
– Form alliances with players and compete as a team.
– Transfer of PvP rewards into the single-player campaign.

Campaign Pack Features:
– 80+ PvE missions with over 100 hours of gameplay.
– 50+ unique enemies and bosses.
– Complete challenges to earn Prestige.
– Take on Prestige contracts for even greater challenges and ultra-rare items.
– Use your PvE company in PvP matches.

About Cliffhanger Productions
Cliffhanger Productions is an interactive entertainment company that creates free-to-play games for a new generation of players. Cliffhanger games combine the accessibility of social and browser games with the depth and excitement of traditional games. We care about graphics and immersion. We care about story. We care about deep and satisfying gameplay. We care about what gamers want.