Anno is a real-time strategy, economic simulation video game series, conceived in 1998 by Max Design.
Most games in the series take place during Renaissance and Empire-building historical periods of Earth's history, with cultures, architecture, and customs based upon real-life elements from these periods, though in-game civilizations tend to be neutral from exact nations.
Each game in the series is mainly a stand-alone title, featuring the same level of reoccurring gameplay mechanics, though each installment amends existing gameplay mechanics and adds new features, with expansion packs adding further content.
Initial games mainly focused on two modes of gameplay, with players able to operate in single-player or multiplayer over LAN or online connections, while later titles added a campaign mode of several missions, each featuring their own unique storyline - plots usually focus on players becoming involved in a major incident while beginning life as the ruler of a small island.
[1] Its sequel broke its sales-speed record, becoming Germany's fastest full-price computer game to reach 500,000 domestic sales.