2K and Firaxis Games have announced a new addition to the long-running Sid Meier franchise in the form of Starships, a turn-based adventure-driven strategy game set in the same universe as Civilization: Beyond Earth.

Due for release in early 2015 as a digital download for Windows-based PC, Mac and iPad, Starships will have players command a fleet of starships before setting out to explore the galaxy, defend planets and their civilizations, while building a federation to usher in peace. “When designing Starships, I was intrigued by the idea of exploring the next chapter in the story of Civilization: Beyond Earth,” says Sid Meier.

“What happens after we colonize our new home and eventually build starships to take to the stars? What has become of our long-lost brothers and sisters from the planet Earth?"

Starships challenges players to create a federation through exploration, which will expand the federation’s influence, and in turn lead to further dominance throughout the galaxy. Players will also be able to research futuristic tech, and engage in turn-based tactical space battles complete with customisable spacecrafts.

Furthermore, every new playthrough features its own unique strategy map of 'dynamically' generated combat missions. Plus, if you already own Sid Meier’s Civilization: Beyond Earth you’ll be able cross-connect the two games, although details of how they interact haven’t been revealed as of yet.