Could Dawn of Titans fix Zynga's reputation?

Could Dawn of Titans fix Zynga's reputation?

Zynga is not a well loved game publisher or developer. In-fact, it's often considered one of the worst, for its IP thieving, shoddy game practices and the popularising of deliberately frustrating gameplay elements that push micro-transactions on you. While no one would have thought that its reputation could go anywhere but further South, it's quite a surprise that the reaction to its latest game's trailer has been so positive.

Dawn of Titans is an upcoming mobile RTS that has players controlling large armies and even larger 'Titans' in PVP and PVE battles. Combat doesn't look to be controlled in instances, or influenced by energy metres or purchasable artifacts - though don't rule them out - which is a good thing. However all of this is likely because Zynga didn't actually make this game, it had its newly purchased developer NaturalMotion do it.

NaturalMotion previously developed the incredibly popular CSR Racing, which while also being filled with micro-transactions has evaded the reputation of Zynga games like Farmville and Bubble Safari. Chances are this new game will come with some way to encourage people to spend real money, but the gameplay does at least look like it has some strategic elements to it, which is a step in the right direction.

Dawn of Titans will launch sometime this year on iOS and Android devices.