You play game rounds with one or more opponents on a limited area and for a limited time. You build production an control buildings and compete for control of the ground. You may also later attack you opponents buildings. You can also research and increase you output from buildings.
You have to actually move to build buildings and attack them.
You may re-center the game board on the map on your real location and may therefore play anywhere. You still have to walk though :-)
You may play ranked games, that give you reputation and increase your ranking.