A Tale in the Desert (ATITD) is a multiplayer persistent online world set in ancient Egypt. The game focuses on crafting, production, exploration, and social activity. Cooperation with other players is vital to overcoming many of the game's challenges, both on an individual and a group level.

Unlike most multiplayer online games, ATITD has a built-in goal, as well as a definite beginning and end. The people of Egypt are challenged to pass 49 tests and then, as a nation, build seven Great Monuments. The game ends after a certain amount of time has passed, whether or not Egypt has succeeded in its goal. Win or lose, after the end of the game the world is wiped and the game starts over from scratch.