With this DotA-inspired craze that's been sweeping the industry, Hi-Rez Studios has also tossed their cap into the ring. Find out more about SMITE in our exclusive interview!

ZAM: We know SMITE is going to have a mythological theme. Will there be a particular focus on myths from a certain time or culture? Judging from the pictures on the Facebook page, I think I saw two characters reminiscent of Anubis and Zeus; any hints for future characters?

Todd:   Hmmm...  I can say that we are planning to include cultures and gods beyond Egyptian and Greek. And we will actually reveal specific new gods as we grow our SMITE Facebook fan page.  So interested folks can help us reach the next Facebook fan milestone and we'll release the next character card.

ZAM: You've mentioned that SMITE will be free-to-play; will you be looking to monetize SMITE through microtransactions, like unique skins and boosts?

Todd:  Yes - the current plan is to offer a balanced game that is free-to-play with optional microtransactions.

ZAM: Finally, we certainly aren't at a loss for games that have utilized DotA mechanics in some way or another; in looking at SMITE right now, what does it have that will really set it apart from its other 'influenced' brethren, like Monday Night Combat or League of Legends?

Todd:  In SMITE the combat itself is visceral and action-oriented and makes you feel like a god! At least that is what we are going for.  

ZAM: And that's all I have for now! As a huge Global Agenda and DotA fan, I'll be eager  for any future developments of SMITE! Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions!

Todd:  Thanks for the interest and the questions. We're excited to share more SMITE information in the coming weeks and months.    

Senior Staff Writer Chris "Pwyff" Tom