New World Computing founder and co-creator of the 40-year-old Might and Magic series, Jon Van Caneghem, is officially returning to the strategy RPG for the first time in decades. He'll act as creative advisor for the upcoming turn-based prequel Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era. As a press release disclaims, this advisor role will only be in addition to "the guidance the team already receives from Ubisoft as the IP holder." In 2025, that IP holder announced a Might and Magic trading card game with an "optional Web3 layer," and it continues to slice away at its workforce and release schedule. Olden Era's developer, Unfrozen, seems to have more saintly intentions by comparison, promising in its Steam description that Olden Era will be "built on the familiar foundations of some of the most critically acclaimed strategy games of all time." Caneghem, the fan-appointed father of the franchise, could hopefully only help solidify that goal. Studio lead reviving legendary turn-based strategy RPG after 10 years borrows Civ creator Sid Meier’s advice, says perfect sequel is “one-third old stuff, one-third improvements, and one-third something new” The Big Preview for Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era – Exclusive dev access and hands-on with the strategy RPG revival Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era is a "great pleasure" and a "great responsibility" for its superfan CEO, and he's governed by one guiding principle: "Heroes is for everyone" "It is a great pleasure to see the world I have built all those years ago thrive and be a part of so many people’s memories," Caneghem says in the press release. "I'm very glad to be able to contribute to it once again and walk this road with all of you who made Might and Magic into the legendary series it is today." Unfrozen CEO Denis Fedorov says about Caneghem, "It has been over 20 years since the last time he participated in the creation of a game in the Heroes universe. Jon is an incredible, talented man and a true legend for all the fans of the franchise whose craftsmanship inspired me to be where I am." "With Jon's assistance," he continues, "we aim to bring you another great Heroes of Might and Magic game not only in terms of content, but worldbuilding as well: in addition to the guidance from Ubisoft as the current IP holder." Revisiting Heroes 3 after 20 years has made me realize that Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era may have already surpassed it.