eRepublik

eRepublik offers a free-to-play, massively multiplayer online (MMO) strategy game that operates directly from a web browser, requiring no software download. The company, eRepublik Labs, was founded in 2007 by Alexis Bonte and George Lemnaru. Bonte, with a background that includes being part of the founding team at lastminute.com and an angel investor, served as CEO of eRepublik Labs until 2019. Lemnaru is a serial entrepreneur with extensive experience in the gaming industry, having founded two successful gaming companies.

The game is set in a mirror version of the real world where players, as citizens, can engage in politics, economics, and warfare. The development of the game began with a €200,000 seed investment in February 2007, followed by an additional €550,000 in angel funding in June 2008. The beta version launched in November 2007, and the game officially went live outside of beta on October 14, 2008. In May 2017, eRepublik Labs was acquired by the Stillfront Group.

The business model is centered on a free-to-play structure with options for in-game purchases. The primary virtual currency is eRepublik Gold, which can be earned through achievements or bought with real money. This currency allows players to purchase items and features, such as establishing companies. The gameplay is designed to be accessible, requiring as little as 15 minutes per day. Players can create their own companies, producing raw materials or manufactured goods like food and gifts. The in-game economy is player-driven, with citizens managing businesses, employing other players, and trading on the marketplace. The political module allows citizens to join parties, run for congress, or even become country president, influencing laws and international relations through elections held on specific days each month. The military aspect involves players joining units, training, and participating in wars against other nations, including resistance wars in occupied territories.

Keywords: browser game, grand strategy, MMO, political simulation, economic simulation, virtual world, free-to-play, social strategy game, nation building, multiplayer online game, geopolitical simulator, Alexis Bonte, George Lemnaru, Stillfront Group, massively multiplayer online, browser-based game, community-driven game, virtual economy, online warfare, political gameplay