The Smite World Championship is kicking off this weekend with a massive prize pool, and a beautifully animated cinematic trailer has been released ahead of the event.
Razer Announces VR Headset With Open Source Software, Wearable Band
The prize pool for MOBA title Smite from Hi-Rez studios has now ballooned to more than $2.5 million, beating out League of Legends' championship total from last year. The World Championship event will take place at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta from January 9 to 11.
Similar to a model employed by Dota 2 and other titles, funds for the prize are raised largely by a promotion called the Odyssey, which sells in-game items to players. Sales from the Odyssey will continue to add to the prize pool until the event, when eight qualified professional teams compete for the lion's share.
Assassin's Creed Unity Dead Kings DLC Release Date Announced
If you're unfamiliar, Smite features mythological characters competing in arena-style team combat, though the trailer of course dramatizes the actual gameplay. The action unfolds in a more third person, over-the-shoulder perspective than the usual top-down MOBAs, with the characters boasting unique skills and traits. The trailer, like we've seen with League of Legends, makes the action look much more dynamic and realistic, but there's no harm in being entertained--watch and enjoy.
