From SFWiki

SteamFront is a web-based massively-multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) that is currently in development by Brandon "Jorm" Harris (developer of NexusWar). SteamFront will utilize a "grid map".

[edit] Setting

SteamFront will take place in a large archipelago that shares many characteristics (both geographically and culturally) with Europe in the Renaissance and early Age of Enlightenment. It will provide a mix of sorcery and "steampunk" science.

[edit] Planned Features

• Primarily Player versus Environment. While a player-versus-player system is planned, the primary focus of the game will allow players to interact with the world and its monsters in a single-player mode.
• No "Action Points". However, non-paying accounts will have only a limited amount of time to play per day.
• No "Character Classes". SteamFront is an entirely skill-based system.
• A powerful and flexible crafting system that impacts almost every aspect of the game, from alchemy to steam-powered devices to food - even spells.
• Player-ownable and operated shops
• Integrated forums
• Minigames for farming, hunting, fishing, and mining

[edit] Testing

A common question is, "Say there, how can I apply to be in on the testing of this?"

The answer is, simply, "You can't." The bootstrap and alpha testing teams for SteamFront are a close, tight-knit team. We do, from time to time, increase the talent pool, but it is by invitation only. We will contact you.

There may be a short, "closed beta" cycle that will require invitations before the game is fully open but that has yet to be determined.