[Each day, Worlds in Motion will be taking a closer look at individual virtual worlds. We'll start with a nuts-and-bolts overview, then move on to an in-depth tour, to be followed up with a conclusion-- all with the aim of bringing you all the essential info and details on each world in the rapidly-developing virtual landscape.]

For this Online World Atlas entry, I thought we'd talk a look at one of the browser-based strategy titles that has been receiving the most buzz in the "mainstream" press—eRepublik, an intriguing mix between social network and an entirely player-driven global simulation.

Name: eRepublik

Company: eRepublik

Established: October 2008

How it Works: eRepublik is browser based and runs in HTML and Javascript. Navigation and gameplay are accomplished via mouse and keyboard input.

Overview: In eRepublik, users become the citizen of a nation, based on those in the real world, and take part in a simulation of the real world's economic and political spheres. Players can take jobs, working their way up to own companies and corporations, get involved in wars between citizen-run countries, and even become president.

Payment Method: eRepublik is free to play, and earns revenue via the purchase of "Gold" which allows players to purchase extra functionality.

Key Features:
- Massively multiplayer social network/global simulation/strategy game
- Every event is player driven—every president is a real player, and every company is player owned
- A real, democratic political system
- "Educational" quiz-based challenges

Useful Links:
Official Wiki
Official Blog