The alternate universe timeline splits from the real world here.
The alternate universe timeline splits from the real world here.
Desperately in need of revenue, the Italian government legalizes the mass seizure of real estate to sell to corporations.
By the end of the year, the entire city of Milan is owned solely by a handful of corporations, pushing millions of Milanese out to the suburbs.
Corporate combat zones established in a ring around Milan several km wide.
In response to the chaos and destruction of the Highrider bombardments, Milan locks down its borders and isolates itself for several years.
After thirteen years of fighting, corporate armies finally withdraw from the combat zones around Milan.
In the wake of the destruction of the Net, Milan creates Il Centro, one of the first city-wide data pool networks. Other cities soon follow suit.