MechWarrior Online is a real-time game where one day in the real world is equal to one day in the game. January 1, 2012 is equal to January 1, 3049.[2] Players take the role of piloting BattleMechs, and can align themselves with one of the Great Houses, form their own Mercenary Corporation, or play as a lone wolf. Of note for this particular timeline in the MechWarrior universe is the impending arrival of the Clans upon the Inner Sphere Houses. It can be extrapolated that this may be the direction MechWarrior Online will head after launch of the basic game.
