You may remember that we once reported on an upcoming Civilization game, known then as Civilization Network, that would be coming to your Facebook homepage sometime in 2010. The year came and went and, alas, there was nothing to be heard from Sid Meier or his team at Firaxis Games.

Now, in 2011, we finally hear the news that we've been waiting for: the Facebook-based Civilization is coming, it has been renamed Civilization World, and you can sign up for the Alpha Test right here.

Described by creator Sid Meier as "a game of shifting alliances and powers, with civilizations and factions rising and falling all the time," Civilization World is looking to be a fun, unique, and completely different take on the well-established Civilization series. If the recent Civilization V wasn't enough to quench your strategy-based thirst, perhaps Civ World will be the one to fill that gap.

Perhaps the most interesting piece of information to come out of Meier's post on the official Facebook page was the news that players will have to sign up in teams in order to access the beta:

"Teams are how we ensure you get to play in the same game as friends. However, you may not always be playing on the same side as your teammates -- in fact, you're just as likely to be their opponents! We’ll ramp up the size of the Alpha test squad as we progress in development, so hang in there if your team is not part of the first round. We’re looking forward to bringing you into the game, so go out there and get your testing team together!"

Although previous Civilization titles have included multiplayer, it's a series that has always struck me as one better-suited to a single-player experience. Joining up as part of a team is certainly an interesting idea. Although details about Civilization World's gameplay are scarce (and will likely stay that way until the launch date of January 12), Sid was able to tease players just a little in his post:

"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. 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."

If there's one thing that can be said, it's this: grab hold of 4-49 of your closest friends, hold on tight, and jump right in. It's going to be a bumpy ride.

The Alpha Test of Civilization World will be going live on January 12, 2011, and you can sign up to be a part of the process right here. Make sure you tell your friends!

Source: Civilization World Facebook Page