Mohawk Games now offers an early access prototype of Offworld Trading Company, the upcoming economics-based RTS game from Stardock that's the brainchild of Civilization IV and III designer Soren Johnson (thanks Rock, Paper, Shotgun). This is offered to those who purchase the Founder's Elite Edition of the game from the official website, a deluxe version which runs $79.99, or double the discounted price of the Founder's Edition (though this edition also includes two game keys). Here's the skinny:

When we announced our pre-order program back in May, we promised that purchasers of our Elite Edition (and their friends) would be “the first to play our prototype this Fall.” We would like to announce that Fall has arrived early this year, apparently in mid-July! In fact, members of the Elite group have already been playing the game for a couple weeks and discussing it on our private forums. As everything seems to be working well (or rather, well enough for a playable prototype), we are announcing publicly that the Elite Edition now gives buyers immediate access to the prototype. (Some disclaimers: prototype access requires an electronic NDA, and the Steam keys are distributed manually once per week.)

We have been inspired and encouraged by all those who have pre-ordered Offworld without any screenshots, videos, or evidence of a working game. Now, at last, we can offer the game. Would love to hear your thoughts on our private forum!