(Update) Hi-Rez announces tactical team-based shooter Paladins

Playable at gamescom

[Update: In an email with Destructoid, a Hi-Rez representative confirmed that Paladins will be free to play, but the developer is “still working out the specifics.” To prognosticate for a bit, I would personally guess the monetization will play with the deck of skills.]

Hi-Rez Studios, currently known for developing the free-to-play MOBA Smite, announced a new IP today in time for gamescom attendees to plan out their show floor schedules. Hi-Rez describes Paladins as “a team-based shooter with strong strategy elements.”

Paladins takes place in a fantasy setting with elves, dwarves, orcs, and goblins taking up arms in its base defense multiplayer. Also, whatever that lombax-lookalike thing in the header image is. Hi-Rez also describes a sort of collectible card game element, where abilities are activated via a customizable deck of cards.

I like the look of it, but I can’t help but get this confused with all the other one-word-named, colorful, team-based shooters featuring a diverse cast of characters in the pipeline. Seriously, Battleborn, Gigantic, and Overwatch all say hello. The big question left about Paladins: is it hobby-grade?