Facebook Civ World Gets Alpha on January 12

Firaxis, the developer of the Civilization franchise, has announced that its Facebook based video game has had its name changed to Civ World, being previously referred to as Civilization Network, and will be getting an alpha stage starting with January 12.

The developer is inviting players to sign up to play the alpha stage of the game and help in its development, with sign ups available at this official page.

Sid Meier, the main designer on the long-running strategy series, has also explained the concept a bit more, saying, “Civ World games will have a well-defined beginning and end, each ending with a triumphant civilization and one person recognized as that game’s most prestigious player. Along the way, as you progress through the different eras of time, you’ll have the chance to win era victories as well.”

He added, “We want players to have both a final goal to work towards, as well as short-term objectives to achieve as they play. The trophies you unlock with your triumphs will carry over from game to game, and you can show them off in your throne room.”

The description makes Civ World seem as more of an actual video game than other popular Facebook games like the Zynga behemoths that end in “ville,” incorporating elements like nations, development and era that are at the core of the Civilization series.

Sid Meier's description does not offer too much information about the actual social aspect of the game, so those interested in finding out more in the short term need to go and try to get into the alpha stage.

Sid Meier and Firaxis have been talking about Civ World even before the launch of Civilization V and it seems that the full game will be launched during this year.

Civilization V is also being worked on, set to get more downloadable content in the coming months.