A recent start up, Renegade Games has launched a unique genre of game, described by creator Peter Zaborszky as “A mix of social, economic and political games, SimRepublic combines elements from farming games, city building games, and politics games, creating an on line virtual world where everyone can find a niche of their own, all of which feeds into a unique on-line economy”. The game is aiming to become a leading multi-player internet based game.
At its lowest level, the game is based on citizens (players), who live in virtual countries and live their lives. Players have a choice at the start of secure jobs, or becoming entrepreneurs and founding their own business. Players can run a farm, to produce raw materials for their country, can construct cities for citizens to live in, can become journalists and write for their own paper, or fulfil their political ambitions by leading the other players in their country as a politician or prime minister.
This creates virtual economies, all of which are based on real life countries. The countries in the game all compete against one another, and wars can break out between them, which are fought by all virtual players.
The target market of SimRepublic is the generation of gamers who enjoy farming, construction and simulation games, but played them so far without any major structure or higher level ambition. SimRepublic provides the infrastructure for virtual tycoons to show off their skills.
SimRepublic’s business model is based on varied levels of membership, players who subscribe to the game get access to more careers, more items, and a better game play experience.
The game is currently undergoing beta testing with around 100 players, who are ironing out the details of the game.
Renegade Games, the developer of the product, was founded in early 2009 and received angel investment from Fubra Ltd, a UK based internet media company.
