Emperor site, beta sign-ups launched

Sierra has launched a new official Web site for Emperor: Rise of the Middle Kingdom, its upcoming city-building game. The new site contains a general overview of the game's setting and features, along with answers to frequently asked questions, a gallery of screenshots, and a downloadable music file.

The company is also accepting applications for the game's upcoming beta test. Those interested in helping test the game can sign up at the official Web site. The beta test is scheduled to begin in mid-May and run through July. It will include both single- and multiplayer testing, and it will focus on balancing the competitive and cooperative modes and testing the compatibility of the single-player missions.

Emperor: Rise of the Middle Kingdom is set in ancient China and lets players assume the role of a governor and lead their city through history. It will also feature a multiplayer mode in which players control neighboring cities and can either compete against each other or work together over the Internet. The game is being developed at BreakAway Games, the studio that created Tropico: Paradise Island.

Emperor: Rise of the Middle Kingdom is scheduled for release this fall. For more information, take a look at our 2847340in-depth preview of the game.