might & magic heroes (formerly heroes of might and magic) is a series of video games originally created and developed by jon van caneghem through new world computing. as part of the might and magic franchise, the series changed ownership when nwc was acquired by 3do and again when 3do closed down and sold the rights to ubisoft. the games feature turn-based, fantasy-themed conflicts in which players control armies of mythical creatures. the series began in 1995 with the release of the first title. a seventh installment, might & magic heroes vii, was released on september 29, 2015. new world computing closed after the production of heroes of might and magic iv, and since then the rights to the franchise have been owned by ubisoft. nival interactive developed the first game in the series since the changeover, heroes of might and magic v. black hole entertainment developed its sequel might & magic heroes vi, but limbic entertainment developed later patches and the dlc, as well as might & magic heroes vii. virtuos developed the shades of darkness standalone expansion for heroes vi.