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Jagex launches closed beta for browser-based social Civilization-esque 8Realms

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Jagex launches closed beta for browser-based social Civilization-esque 8Realms
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| 8Realms

Best known for its massively popular RuneScape, UK publisher Jagex is rolling out a game it hopes will be its next world beater.

Another free-to-play browser-based title, 8Realms is a little different, however, as it's a social empire-building game.

Indeed, the company claims 8Realms is its first game to be fully coded in HTML, using minimal Java and no Flash or other plug-ins, so it will be widely available.

We'd suggest it probably looks a bit too fiddly to play on a smartphone but any tablet - iPad, Android, or BlackBerry PlayBook - would be ideal, plus the usual netbooks, PCs, etc.

The only immediate issue is that Jagex is still beta testing the game, so if you want to get playing, you'll have to apply sharpish to see if you're lucky enough to gain access before it's properly launched.

All together now

In terms of the gameplay, you get to take your settlement from a humble village to a glorious dominion through eight ages of history; ancient, classical, feudal, renaissance, imperial, industrial, modern, and the future.

A highly political environment requiring skillful negotiation with other players, 8Realms promises to offer an interesting social experience, enabling you to join forces with others to build great alliances and battle with enemies.

In this way, it's been designed to appeal to hardcore and casual gamers.

"8Realms is a fresh new take on the online empire-building strategy genre. It perfectly balances compelling gameplay, designed to appeal to players with a passion for strategy gaming, and unrestricted accessibility," Rob Smith, Jagex's veep, said.

"This will offer those who have been underwhelmed by recent strategy games a more engaging experience that they can play in wherever they are.

"The closed beta is a critical part of the development cycle and it is a great opportunity to involve both our loyal community, and players new to Jagex, to help prepare the game for launch."

You can find more details, including beta sign up, at the game's website and Facebook page.

Jon Jordan
Jon Jordan
A Pocket Gamer co-founder, Jon can turn his hand to anything except hand turning. He is editor-at-large at PG.biz which means he can arrive anywhere in the world, acting like a slightly confused uncle looking for the way out. He likes letters, cameras, imaginary numbers and legumes.