E3 2018: Command & Conquer Returns, But As A Free-To-Play Mobile Title, Rivals

EA has revealed a brand-new entry in its long-running Command & Conquer series. Command & Conquer Rivals is a free-to-play mobile title that the company says places PvP action at its heart.

The game features two factions and familiar real-time strategy gameplay where you attempt to balance resource management and unit placement. Games are played over the internet against friends or strangers. EA says Rivals will feature a tier system for rewards and for which units you're able to equip, similar to hit mobile RTS Clash Royale, but the details are still being fine-tuned.

Microtransactions will be present, but EA says anything that's able to be bought will also be available for free simply by playing the game. A release date has not yet been announced for Rivals, but EA says a pre-alpha test period will come to the US & Canada soon.

The most recent entry in the franchise was 2012's Command & Conquer: Tiberium Alliances. In 2013, EA canceled a free-to-play, multiplayer-focused title--simply called Command & Conquer--and shut down its developer, Victory Games.

"Your feedback from the alpha trial is clear: we are not making the game you want to play," EA said at the time. "That is why, after much difficult deliberation, we have decided to cease production of this version of the game. Although we deeply respect the great work done by our talented team, ultimately it’s about getting you the game you expect and deserve."