Smite getting new map and Arena mode in next beta update

Smite, the free-to-play multiplayer online battle arena game from Hi-Rez studios, is adding a new Arena battle mode and map in its next beta update, according to a post today on the developer's blog.

Smite puts players in the role of gods who fight alongside mythological creatures. Unlike the game's standard mode, there's no single objective for your team to assault; rather, players earn points for killing other players and their minions, and the first team to hit the match's point cap is crowned the winner. The new Colosseum map offers side objectives and more open areas than previous maps.

"Smite is all about action combat," said Hi-Rez Studios COO Todd Harris. "So we wanted an additional game type that allows players to get into the action even faster. One of our level designers took the initiative to put together this more open Colosseum map concept on his own time. We've enjoyed playing it so much that the team has worked overtime to get the new mode quickly into the hands of our Beta community and we look forward to their feedback."

The game's beta began in June 2012 and has garnered over 750,00 player accounts since then. Interested beta testers can sign up at the game's official website.