Wargaming announces they are resurrecting Master of Orion, saying they are working on an updated version of the MicroProse strategy classic for a modern audience. This is in the works in Argentine-based NGD Studios, and word is they have enlisted "key members from the original title's team" to ensure authenticity. An announcement trailer celebrates the news, but neither the trailer nor the announcement clarify whether or not this will be a departure from the current Wargaming formula, which centers around free-to-play MMOGs, though they make multiple references to staying true to the original. Like their World of X games, this project has local websites for North America, Europe, and Asia, each of which flashes a countdown timer that doesn't seem to actually be counting anything. Here's what they have to say about the project for now:

Wargaming today announced Master of Orion, a modern rebirth of the critically acclaimed sci-fi strategy game. The forerunner of the influential “4X” style of gameplay, Master of Orion captured the imagination of gamers around the world. Its deep, strategic gameplay offered numerous ways to win—through brute force, diplomacy or resource domination.

Master of Orion brings Wargaming back to its science fiction origins, which began with the company’s acclaimed Massive Assault game series. Developed by Argentine-based NGD Studios and with key members from the original title’s team, Master of Orion stays true to its renowned 4X gameplay.

Enhanced visuals, built from the ground up, breathe new life into the vast galaxy available to explore and conquer, as well as give new personality to the many races which call it home. Players can expect a revamped user interface, an orchestral score from the original game’s composer, voiceovers by well-known actors, new user tutorials, and more to deliver a classic yet fresh experience to one of gaming’s most respected franchises.

“Master of Orion is a game that brings Wargaming truly back to its roots, not only as a company but also in how it influenced my personal interest in both games and making them,” said Victor Kislyi, CEO of Wargaming. “The series’ iconic gameplay has stood the test of time and working with NGD Studios to bring the series back to life is a truly exciting moment for the team.”

“As longtime fans of the Master of Orion, the opportunity to help breathe new life into this acclaimed game has been a dream come true,” said Andrés Chilkowski, Co-founder and CEO of NGD Studios. “While we’ve made many improvements overall to the game, we’re confident that its classic and addictive gameplay will appeal to gamers no matter if they played the game years ago or are now just experiencing it for the very first time.”