:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/25382791/ego_screenshot_3.0.png)
Rebellion Developments' real-time strategy game Evil Genius Online went into open beta on Facebook today.
The game, which is a follow-up to the 2004 world domination simulator Evil Genius, was announced in August of this year as a free-to-play title that would launch simultaneously on both the Facebook and Zynga platforms. The studio received mixed reactions to its announcement, but it assured fans of the Evil Genius franchise that it would listen to their concerns and respond to feedback.
"When we launched the closed beta, we made it a priority to reach out to fans of the 2004 Evil Genius PC game rather than a wider audience," Rebellion CEO and creative director Jason Kingsley said today in a statement. "I think it's fair to say the Evil Genius community voiced some initial concerns about our direction, but it's these same gamers that not only got behind the game, but played a big part in making it better."
Evil Genius Online is scheduled to launch on Facebook in early 2014. Those interested in the beta can jump in today.
"Free-to-play and browser games aren't for just one kind of person, or one kind of game," Kingsley said. "We think Evil Genius Online's blend of strategy, black humour, and cutting-edge browser tech will resonate with a lot gamers. Whatever their favourite platform, if they've got a browser, they'll be able to enjoy Evil Genius Online free."
