The History of Thunder Run
In 2013, we set out to create Thunder Run: War of Clans, a prototype for our new game engine built to create fast-action experiences in HTML5.
Our creative team began with concept art for a modern war title using real world vehicles, like the below scene of a Blackhawk helicopter attacking a tank.
We brought on military advisors to review our early designs, and to help lay out the technical specifications for our modern military armies. For example, replacing the Blackhawk helicopter in the image above (which in the real world is a transport vehicle, without weapons guidance systems) with a gunship.
The next step was building accurate 3D assets. As an example of the attention to detail, in the “Motor Pool” building shown below we see the M1 Abrams tank stored as they would be in real life, with turrets turned backwards to take up less space in a parking area.
Everything from transmitter antennas to fuel storage blivets came from real world military references. That said, we knew we could only go so far in realism. To paraphrase one of our advisors: “Modern war is about asymmetry, where you attack only with an overwhelming advantage. Games are about symmetry, where you want even matches. Therefore, no modern war game can be realistic.”
So while we respect realism, our goal is not strictness, it’s authenticity — an atmosphere in the game drawn from the real world, yet balanced for game play. As another example, our advisors helped us design the headquarters of the game — called a Tactical Operations Center or “TOC” — based on real world scenarios for how military vehicles and tents assemble to form a mobile office. When operations become large, it’s not uncommon to take over buildings found in area to use as an “upgraded” TOC, which is what players experience in Thunder Run as they advance.
Next came the design of the real world military vehicles, where we detailed everything from the modernized scopes installed on the M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, to the computer-controlled machine guns on the HMMWV (not to be confused with “Humvee”, which is the civilian model).
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While the 3D assets developed, our illustrators created our cast of in-game characters, whose interwoven stories and dialog formed the foundation of our world lore.
Since its launch, our world continues to evolve, with new characters, new vehicles, and new weapons drawn from the facts and headlines of modern war.
While the title is designed today’s browsers, our assets continue to be developed in full 3D to one day take advantage of new 3D rendering features being developed by browser makers.
In 2013, the title was recognized as one of the Best New Games of 2013 in Hardcore Strategy by the Facebook platform team.
It was a fun year, watching an idea become a vision, a vision become a title, and a title become an experience for millions of players in over 80 countries.
All-Time Stats
- Total players: 4,031,972
- Total logins: 179,098,305
- Average logins per player: 44
- Total time played: 4453 years, 297 days, 23 hours, 46 minutes, 26 seconds
- Average time played per player: 784 seconds
Final Tournament Winners
Season 29, Final Tournament Winners!
- ARB TOP1 – 11809 Points
1 – alomdaisrawy L71 with 3051 points WINS 800 Gold
2 – SpecialForeces L62 with 3032 points WINS 800 Gold
3 – GEN. Chishty L67 with 2015 points WINS 800 Gold
4 – XBOSSXKINGX L72 with 1920 points WINS 800 Gold
5 – cazzivostri L75 with 1878 points WINS 800 Gold
6 – GEN. vitobal L68 with 1559 points WINS 800 Gold
7 – MG. karammetany L44 with 1514 points WINS 800 Gold
8 – GEN. samo L60 with 1499 points WINS 800 Gold
9 – GEN. SATISFIED L69 with 1496 points WINS 800 Gold
10 – Einstein L40 with 1208 points WINS 800 Gold
- BOSNA I HERCEGOVINA – 11385 Points
1 – GEN. DarkFlame L73 with 4203 points WINS 400 Gold
2 – Utoy L49 with 3398 points WINS 400 Gold
3 – matej L61 with 2325 points WINS 400 Gold
4 – Vipeɾ L41 with 2025 points WINS 400 Gold
5 – BG. assasingirl L43 with 1779 points WINS 400 Gold
6 – GEN. majormuscleman L65 with 1363 points WINS 400 Gold
7 – revenge L69 with 1293 points WINS 400 Gold
8 -Bilal L61 with 882 points WINS 400 Gold
9 – LTG. xHRNx L49 with 828 points WINS 400 Gold
10 – WARTHOG L72 with 325 points WINS 400 Gold
- LEGION OF ROYAL CATS – 10903 Points
1 – GEN. giuseppe L75 with 1426 points WINS 250 Gold
2 – COL. CHRISTIANDOG L39 with 582 points WINS 250 Gold
3 – BG. كُہوكُہ L43 with 283 points WINS 250 Gold
4 – MG. KARAM L44 with 265 points WINS 250 Gold
5 – MG. غزةالكرامة L46 with 233 points WINS 250 Gold
6 – SLOWER L43 with 113 points WINS 250 Gold
7 – FUTHUNDERRUN L35 with 46 points WINS 250 Gold
Looking to hang out with old friends? Head on over to the community-run Thunder Run Discord Server.
It is with heavy hearts that after 10+ incredible years of producing Battlehouse games, we announce that Thunder Run will be taking its final ride off into the sunset in April 2023. Read more here.
Build an elite army and wage epic MMORTS war with real-world weapons.
Build an Army
Unlock a vast range of combat units from M1 Abrams tanks Ka-50 helicopters to space-age warships. Develop your strategic fortress, placing every building exactly where you want. Upgrade realistic military war equipment from cluster bombs to anti-aircraft missiles.
Command Epic Battles
With cutting-edge HTML5 technology, Battlehouse games deliver gut-wrenching battle action right inside your web browser! Command every step your army takes, or sit back and let artificial intelligence drive your units into battle.
Join Thousands Online
The only thing better than playing a top military game, is playing one online with friends! Battlehouse games feature the web’s best multiplayer Clan action. Make allies, send reinforcements, and plan your strategy to conquer the world!
Always Free to Play
Best of all, our strategy games will always be free to play – no credit card required! Play for free as much as you want. In-game purchases are available, but totally optional.
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