The Secret World project was developed within the walls of the Norwegian studio Funcom, which already had experience in creating MMORPGs (Anarchy Online, Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures). The game can be called a long-term project, even without considering the fact that the idea of creating The Secret World emerged 15 years ago. Development started in 2002, and the project was announced in 2007. At first glance, The Secret World seems like Funcom decided to create a multiplayer game set in the 21st century. Cities, skyscrapers, streets—in a word, concrete jungles. What a fan of online games can do here is not very clear. But, as is often the case, first impressions can be misleading.
The world of The Secret World is an alternate reality where technology coexists with magic, and for some residents, there is nothing unusual about it. Of course, some fantasy creature could break into an apartment to raid the refrigerator, but such issues can be solved in a mundane way—with a fireball to the face. Nevertheless, magic and the supernatural are the prerogative of several secret societies that strive to impose their will upon the world. Other people may suspect that something is not right in their hometowns, but these are just idle speculations that many do not believe in. Meanwhile, their fates are being decided at a global level.
Three opposing factions are engaged in an unyielding struggle aimed at defeating the rival and establishing a single absolute authority on the planet, albeit a secret one. The Templars are an ancient order once thought to be destroyed. By default, they are the good guys, but their fanaticism sometimes exceeds all reasonable limits. They are willing to do anything for their faith. The Illuminati hate the Templars; they are an order that also traces its lineage back through the ages. Unlike the Templars, who have some moral backbone, the Illuminati do not shy away from vile and terrible acts. Murder or betrayal is not considered anything special to them; it is merely a tool to achieve their goals. The third global faction, viewed with suspicion by both the Templars and the Illuminati, are the Dragons. The headquarters of the Dragons is located in Seoul, and it is from there that clan members receive instructions from their leaders. They appear relatively peaceful and even prudent, but that is only at first glance. The Dragons employ intricate conspiracies, lie, cheat, and twist in every way possible to achieve their goals. They will swallow all grievances and insults but will seek revenge later. They will say one thing and do another. In short, trusting the Dragons is a risk.
In The Secret World, there are no character classes, but there are skills and abilities that can be developed as levels increase. By completing quests, defeating enemies, and engaging in various important activities, players gain experience and points that they can freely distribute among their available attributes. However, an advantage over an opponent can be achieved not only by having more skills but also having more powerful types of weapons and equipment.