Roma Victor announces The Escalation update. Read the details below on the state of the game and some of the upcoming features in store for players.

Independent UK developer RedBedlam Ltd recently published another "State of the World" insight into its development activities and is now pleased to announce a major planned update: "The Escalation".

"The Escalation" update for Roma Victor is scheduled to be released in May 2007. As well as featuring significant updates for the guild and encounter systems, this free expansion includes a sophisticated mechanism for player elections, founding new settlements and even introduces the possibility of conquering, pillaging and looting these player-run settlements.

The key towns and forts along Hadrian's Wall will continue to operate under Roman Provincial Law with all of its associated political intrigue, mercantile opportunities, state protection and harsh penalties. However, new settlements are expected to spring up both north and south of 'The Wall', and tensions are sure to rise as various player Tribes, Houses and Cults vie for power and territory in this new, dynamic landscape. Doubtless the other guild classes - such as Warbands, Auxilia and Legions, will play a pivotal combat role in the inevitable power struggles.

Many of these advanced features make use of one of RedBedlam's latest additions to Roma Victor - the highly anticipated particle effects system, which adds vivid and sometimes gritty realism to the world with features such as blood, sweat, dust, sparks, flames, smoke and much, much more.

Kerry Fraser-Robinson, RedBedlam's Managing Director commented: "Our historic virtual world is being shaped by its own community. We've provided the land, resources and political system but it's the players that hone their skills, master their crafts and fight for their land."

RedBedlam is planning to introduce further improvements and changes, not least of which is the re-introduction of an active in-game story arc driving events and intrigue forward in exciting new ways.

Read more here.