Titled Civilization World (Civ World), the game takes the Civilization formula and adds a social twist. The game will allow players to ally with friends and compete with other player-nations in a bid for world domination. Unlike other Facebook games, which seem to go on forever with no real end, Civ World will feature a well-defined ending. Players will be awarded victories at the end of each era, offering short-term goals as well as the long term goal of being recognized as that particular game's most prestigious player.
Every victory, small or large, will reward players with trophies, which they can display in their throne room. As a special token for players who participate in the Alpha, Firaxis is offering a special item for your throne room.
Sign-ups for the Alpha are available here. You'll be able to sign up individually in the final game, but because of the social aspects, Firaxis is asking players interested in the Alpha to sign up with a team (limits: 5 - 50 per team). However, Meier points out that even though you sign up as a team, there's a great chance you'll end up competing against the group you sign up with.
Registration is open now and acceptance confirmations go out on January 10th. The game goes into Beta (which, in Facebook terms means released) in June.