Can A Web Based Game Be Made?

[Atrocities]

Do any of you know about Planetarion? If you do then you know what I am about to talk about if you do not, well try and follow along.

I was wondering what it would take to make a web based game simular to Planetarion but based on SE IV?

You know, just something simple that people who buy SEIV can log onto and play. A build an empire, expanding your boarders, exploring the unknown, and exterminating those who stand in your way.

The game would only require the most basic images, and would handle combat like most web based games currently do.

So what would it take to make a web based game like this, and can it be done cheaply, effectively, and without to much huss and fuss?

The reason for it is simple enough, to give people something to do when they are waiting for their PBW turns to process. Since it is web based, and you would only get X amount of turns each day, you can play it for a very very long time. The appeal would be that you can play it many times in the day, as turns accumulate, and from anywhere without the need to have the game on your computer.

I think it would be a great addition to this Community, and wish I had the skill and knowledge needed to make such a game.