English-speaking players of strategy games will be happy to hear the Ubisoft has launched the North American closed beta phase for Anno Online. Developed by subsidiary Ubisoft Blue Byte, the mind behind The Settlers, Anno Online brings the strategic title to browsers everywhere set in the title’s original medieval timeframe.
When unveiling the title at Gamescom 2012, Blue Byte’s Christopher Schmitz reiterated one important fact, “This is not a simplified or casual version” of Anno. Anno Online is one of many F2P browser-based titles Ubisoft is in the midst of developing. Might & Magic Heroes Online and Silent Hunter Online also having been announced at the same conference.
In Anno Online, players will develop medieval cities through the franchise’s complex economic system. As the population grows, gamers will have to deal with increasing demands before venturing out to discover, claim and create trading relations with other nations. Along with the beta announcement, the company revealed plans for a mid-May feature update, Guilds. The Guild System will introduce additional strategy through alliances and the Guild Hall building.
Register at the official website for a chance to gain beta access. Be sure to check out the closed beta trailer and first screenshots of the Guild Halls after the cut.
