After seven years of development, the MMO “Fellowship” has finally become accessible to the public through a free playtest during Steam Next Fest. Designed for MMO enthusiasts who prefer engaging dungeon experiences over extensive grinding, Fellowship integrates MOBA-like character selection with classic dungeon crawling reminiscent of World of Warcraft. The game, developed by Chief Rebel—a Swedish studio with former Blizzard developers—offers players a chance to explore its unique gameplay mechanics and contribute to its ongoing development.
Earlier information about Fellowship was limited, with the game maintaining a low profile during its lengthy development period. The current playtest marks a shift towards greater transparency, allowing players to experience firsthand what Chief Rebel has been crafting. This move has increased anticipation and provided valuable opportunities for feedback, setting the stage for a more refined early access release.
Innovative Gameplay Mechanics
Fellowship distinguishes itself by merging MOBA-style character progression with WoW-inspired dungeon aesthetics. Players can choose from a selection of six heroes, each developing unique abilities and equipping gear as they navigate through seven dungeons available in the playtest. The game features both Ranked and Quick Play modes, accommodating different player preferences and reducing the need for repetitive grinding to access end-game content.
Developer Commitment to Accessibility
“The competitive end-game dungeon experience is often locked behind hours of grinding or subscriptions,” explains community director Hamish Bode. “We wanted to make sure people can get to the fun stuff quick.”
Chief Rebel emphasizes creating an inclusive gaming environment by integrating essential UI features directly into the game, eliminating the need for external add-ons. This strategy ensures that all players have equal access to functionalities like damage meters and interrupt markers from the outset.
Plans for Early Access and Future Development
CEO Axel Lindberg revealed that Fellowship is set to enter early access later this year. The game will adopt a premium pricing model, requiring an upfront purchase without subscription fees. Future updates will focus on expanding the hero roster, introducing additional dungeons, and enhancing matchmaking systems. Cosmetic microtransactions will be available to support ongoing development, offering players aesthetic options without impacting gameplay balance.
As Fellowship transitions to early access, the feedback garnered from the Steam Next Fest playtest will play a crucial role in shaping the game’s final features and mechanics. By focusing on accessible design and leveraging the expertise of its development team, Fellowship aims to offer a compelling alternative in the competitive MMO market.
