Midway picks up Rise & Fall: Civilizations at War

Midway today announced that it will publish the PC real-time strategy title Rise & Fall: Civilizations at War. The game is being developed by Massachusetts-based Stainless Steel Studios, the team behind 2003's Empires: Dawn of the Modern World. Civilizations at War is scheduled for release in winter 2005.

This is the latest PC game deal for typically console-centric Midway. Last year, the company signed on to publish the next two PC versions of Epic Games' popular Unreal franchise.

"Stainless Steel Studios is known for creating revolutionary, real-time strategy games that appeal to a worldwide audience," said David F. Zucker, president and chief executive officer of Midway. "This relationship and the upcoming launch of Rise & Fall: Civilizations at War will further establish Midway in the premium PC market."

Cyber-Caesars can get their dictating on by controlling one of several civilizations, including the famed Roman, Greek, Egyptian, and Persian Empires, as well as four minor civilizations.

Users will duke it out on the battlefield in real time, commanding eight historical heroes (to fight alongside the grunts) and more than 80 ground and naval units. Empires are not built on military victories alone, so scientists and researchers will help gamers' plights by improving technology and securing economical well-being.

Be sure to check back soon, because GameSpot will have more on Rise & Fall: Civilizations at War as details are released.