The newest game in designer Sid Meier's illustrious Civilization franchise will be begin beta testing with Facebook users this June, according to Variety.

The Facebook platform game — called Civilization Network — was announced a few months ago, and both gamers and the press noted that Civilization and Facebook seem like an excellent match. It's easy to picture the addictive-but-relaxing, turn-based gameplay of Civilization IV or Civilization Revolution adapted to the same platform that plays host to FarmVille — and we all know how huge that game is.

Unfortunately, some fans of the series had gotten the impression from the original announcement that the game would be coming sooner. Not so. Meier said he'd be looking for beta testers "soon" and that the "full game will be available next year." Game publisher Take Two Interactive didn't say whether or not the beta will be open to everyone.

If you want to know more about the game, you're pretty much out of luck; not much has been announced yet. You can become a fan on Facebook to receive future updates, though. For now, here's what Meier said about it.

"You can coordinate your strategy to win great battles, share your technology to jump ahead of your rivals, lobby your family and friends to form your own government and win vital elections, manage and grow your cities to maximize production and happiness, spy on your enemies, and work with your friends to create the great Wonders of the World. The game will offer everything you enjoy in Civ in a fully persistent environment – you can play as much as you like, whenever you like, and it’ll be free to play."