First insights: The upcoming Achievements system.
Sneak peek is a brief information about one of the upcoming game versions and may not reflect the final status of the content.
After the game version is finalised, a corresponding developer's diary will be published.

One of the upcoming version updates will introduce a new Achievements system to the game. It is planned for it to be implemented for the first time on the international test server this week, most likely on the 27th of March 2014. Feel free to visit the test environment (link) to have a closer look and make sure to share your feedback on the test server's forum! 
What can be expected from the Achievements system?
Many achievements to unlock
6 main categories of achievements will be introduced to the game: General, Economy, Military, Skills, Social, Adventure.
Each main category will consist of multiple sub-categories with a huge amount of achievements available.
Most of the achievements will provide only achievement points, but some of them will also grant rewards.
Interface adjustments
An additional field will be added below your avatar: It will show your current amount of Achievement points.
A special option called "Compare Achievements" will be added to the context menu (after clicking on a friend's icon).
Each unlocked achievement will be indicated with a special message displayed next to your avatar.
Ability to compare achievements
Achievement system without a comparison option would be boring, right?
That's why the game will offer the possibility to compare your achievements with friends!

After a corresponding option is selected from the context menu, a comparison will show up.
How to open the Achievements interface?
Just click on the field with your current amount of Achievements points.
For feedback, please go here.
Happy Settling!
BB_Ravel