14 DAY TRIAL // Horizons: Empire Of Istaria is the award winning MMORPG published by Atari in 2003. Placed within a fantasy setting, it provides players with a stable and persistent universe, where cooperative gameplay is matched with interactive stories of dragons and otherworldly beasts. Horizons had its fair share of novelty upon release, as players could build and maintain houses or even towns, having eleven races to choose from and over fifty skill schools.
EI Interactive has acquired full intellectual rights over Horizons: Empire of Istaria from Tulga Games in an arrangement that comes in effect starting July 21, 2006. We find out more in an interview given by EI Chairman Edward C. Andercheck to MMORPG.COM: "The magic of Horizons is not only in its uniquely supportive community, but also in the deep potential this game has for a player's participation in building the environment and growing the storyline". When asked why his company decided to purchase Horizons, Andercheck explained that he too is a gamer and saw a mature and excited group of people over at Tulga. He looks upon the future with confidence as "The success EI has had in building the Savage Eden community is a great testimony to our in-game event team's efforts and we look forward to the same experience in Horizons".
EI Interactive whishes to keep the key elements that made the game successful. Tulga previously announced working on a new expansion, called Horizons: The Settlements. Besides the PvP additions, developers promised environmental, creature and gameplay improvements in what was supposed to be a major content update. It's too early to know if EI will pursue the idea, since relocation to a Phoenix, Arizona, office is to be expected. The agreement did not transfer any employees to EI, but Andercheck says he plans on interviewing many former Tulga Games developers for the perspective of an EI Interactive position.