Based on Anno 1404, Anno Online delivers the franchise’s proven and popular strategy-simulation gameplay along with the series’ highly-detailed animation and graphics, for the first time in a browser-based title.  Players will build and develop great medieval cities using the detailed economic system enjoyed for years by Anno fans.  As they satisfy the population’s needs, they will unlock new buildings and face more demanding inhabitants, eventually needing to discover and claim additional islands and connect them with trading routes.

In Anno Online, players will start on a deserted island with only two buildings (a harbour and a warehouse) and will have to make the best of their resources to build, manage and expand their territory in order to develop a commercial empire. Trade by ships remains an essential component of the game, and will offer multiplayer possibilities that will further enhance the deep economic system of Anno Online.

Anno Online will introduce new persistent online gameplay possibilities and offer players the opportunity to cooperate with friends thanks to the Guild System, set to release in mid-May. This Guild System will allow players to create their own Guilds, choose a name and tag, and invite up to 25 members to join.  The guild can then establish a larger strategy thanks to the guild chat channel. Guilds will have access to a new building, the Guild Hall building, which will allow members to gather together.

Anno Online has just completed a successful Closed Beta in which thousands of players from around the world helped test and prove the stability and superior performance of the game’s single- and multi-player capabilities. 

As the Open Beta launches, Closed Beta players will receive several rewards as a celebration.  First, Blue Byte has announced that all current accounts will continue without the traditional “data wipe,” meaning players can continue their current games seamlessly.  In addition, Closed Beta players are eligible for two gifts: all players will receive a decorative statue for their city while those Closed Beta players who log-in and play during the first week of Open Beta will also be rewarded with a premium ship. This exclusive ship can carry more freight and is faster than other ships in the game.

Anno Online is now available to anyone that signs up or logs in with their existing Uplay account via the game’s official web site.