| Genre | Real-time strategy |
| Title | Proplayen (Elemental 3 Player) |
| Players | 3 |
| Setting | Fantasy world |
| Factions | Fire • Earth • Air |
| Developer | Eltrium Games |
| Key features | Innovative elemental faction system • Deep strategic gameplay • Extensive customization options • Lore-driven campaign • Supported by regular content expansions • Competitive multiplayer scene |
| Release year | Late 2010s |
Proplayen (Elemental 3 Player) is a critically acclaimed real-time strategy game developed and published by Eltrium Games. Released in 2018, it is set in a fantastical world where three factions, each embodying a different elemental force, battle for supremacy.
Proplayen is a 3-player RTS experience where each participant controls one of three powerful factions: the Ignis (Fire), the Terran (Earth), or the Aeros (Air). Each faction has a distinct playstyle, unit roster, and elemental abilities that must be carefully balanced against the other two.
The core gameplay revolves around gathering resources, constructing a base, training armies, and using each faction's unique magical powers to overcome their opponents. Battles involve units with a rock-paper-scissors dynamic, with different elemental strengths and weaknesses. Players must outmaneuver and outproduce their rivals to ultimately emerge victorious.
Proplayen offers several gameplay modes beyond the main 3-player competitive ladder. The expansive single-player campaign follows an epic storyline that explores the world's rich lore. Custom games allow for more flexible settings and scenarios. There are also robust multiplayer modes supporting 1v1, 2v2, and 3-player free-for-all matches.
A deep progression system enables players to customize their faction's units, structures, and abilities through an extensive tech tree and skill system. This provides nearly endless opportunities for strategic experimentation and optimization.
Proplayen was conceived and developed by the independent studio Eltrium Games, a relatively new but highly ambitious game company. Formed by veteran developers from larger studios, Eltrium set out to create a truly innovative and genre-defining RTS experience.
The initial concept for the game's "elemental faction" system emerged in the early 2010s. Over several years of prototyping and iterative design, the team gradually expanded the scope and scale of the project, building out an immersive fantasy world, complex systems of magic and unit interactions, and a sprawling single-player narrative.
Eltrium faced significant challenges in managing the game's ambitious vision, especially coordinating the delicate balance between the three factions. However, through extensive playtesting and community feedback, they were able to refine the core gameplay loop into a tightly integrated and highly replayable experience.
Upon its release in 2018, Proplayen received widespread critical acclaim for its strategic depth, visual design, and compelling world-building. While it did not achieve the level of mainstream blockbuster success of some larger RTS franchises, it developed a dedicated niche following among strategy game enthusiasts.
Eltrium has continued to support and expand Proplayen in the years since its initial launch. Several major content updates have introduced new playable factions, campaigns, multiplayer modes, and customization options.
The game's competitive scene has also grown, with Eltrium hosting regular tournaments and leagues. A thriving modding community has further extended the experience, creating custom scenarios, campaign missions, and balance tweaks.
Looking ahead, Eltrium has promised continued support for Proplayen, with plans for both free and paid expansions that will evolve the game's story, mechanics, and online features. The studio remains committed to maintaining the title as a live service, ensuring it stays fresh and engaging for its passionate player base.
