In place of an unchanging world defined by its geography (terrain, climate, etc.), Illyriad’s World Update sees specific features, buildings and Factions impact different areas of the map. This creates a fully immersive world, with unprecedented depth and continuity, which can be explored by players over a period of weeks, months or years.

“We’ve always been clear that players should have unique experiences in Illyriad,” explains founder James Niesewand. “Just because Illyriad is free to play, does not mean that it should be shallow or predictable. The idea of a strategy game where everyone does the same thing, with their cities notable only for having different coordinates on the map, has never appealed to us. As gamers, we want more depth, we want everyone to experience a world differently. And so, as developers, that’s what we’ve introduced here.”

The World Update began this week, and will continue to be revealed for several months. For a browser game already praised for its thoughtfulness, depth and originality, this further evolution continues to place Illyriad at the forefront of innovation within its genre.

“Two days ago we started ‘infecting’ the geography of one part of the map, and the community immediately noticed,” James Niesewand continues. “They have been investigating it and gossiping about it ever since, as they watch the map change on a daily basis. At the same time players have started to find and explore some of the other features that we have added to the map. Of course, by the time they have found them all, we will have added a new batch to the world. There is far more content here than we want to release in one shot - far better for the players to have the pleasure of watching the changes unfold at the relaxed pace that is typical of Illyriad.”

The newly evolving world of Illyriad can be experienced at www.illyriad.co.uk , with the first changes in the World Update already in place.

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About Illyriad: Illyriad is a browser-based Massively Multiplayer strategy game, in which players take control of cities, engaging in city-building, quests, investigation, diplomacy, warfare and trade. Developed by London-based Illyriad Games Ltd., Illyriad went live in 2010 and was officially launched on May 16th 2011.

What the Press Say: http://www.illyriad.co.uk/press/Reviews