Ubisoft has unveiled that the browser based free-to-play strategy game The Settlers Online, has reached more than 1.5 million players in its initial rollout in Germany, US, France and Russia.

The English language European Open Beta commences today, allowing players to experience the latest iteration of the Settlers brand for the very first time.

The game combines the popular gameplay elements of The Settlers franchise with brand new features suited to a persistent, web-based browser game. Players are able to settle a new city and join thousands of gamers already online to create or join guilds, trade resources and acquire and exchange bonuses to help each other out along the way to building a mighty kingdom.

“The Settlers is a beloved, enduring franchise which strategy players from all over the world enjoy and it’s exciting to be able to offer those fans a new way to interact with the Settlers Universe,” said Thomas Paincon, EMEA FTP Publishing Director. “The success of the free-to-play model is very encouraging and with the rollout of the English language European Open Beta beginning today, we are very optimistic about the future of the Settlers Brand.”