Virtual socialization, in space!

Avatar Reality has announced that their current project, Blue Mars, will be entering beta in January 2009. The concept behind the game is more of a sim/virtual environment than a MMO - so no fighting aliens for you.

Blue Mars has attracted attention for its impressive CryENGINE2-powered visuals - the same software at the heart of Crysis.

The idea centres around a habitable version of planet Mars, where water trickles free and people dress up and build houses and make families. In fact, that's what players will be doing; none of this crazy science-fiction laser shooting we're afraid. Think Second Life in space.

More interestingly, Avatar Reality has opened development to third-parties, offering contributors free reign over in-world attractions and perhaps promotions, which could prove lucrative if the game takes off.

For more information, please check here.