While self-funding a massively multiplayer real-time strategy game such as Stronghold Kingdoms was a risky move for a developer like Firefly Studios, it seems to be paying off as the castle building game has attracted over three million players since its debut on February 27.

Firefly cites a passionate player base for the game's success, and notes that the game draws 200,000 users from 100 countries each month. Of course, it helps that Stronghold Kingdoms is free to download and play, and is supported by optional microtransactions, but given the number of other online games available to players with the same "free to play" price of entry, that three million player figure is still an impressive achievement.

Those interested in joining the fight can find all the information they need to get up and running on the game's official website or by visiting its page on Steam. [Image: Firefly Studios]