Jumpgate Expands Its Universe

Jumpgate developer Steve "Istvan" Hartmeyer was kind enough to pass along a press release about NetDevil's latest expansion of their MMP space combat franchise - a major retooling of the universe called Jumpgate Evolution. He adds: "The Wing Commander series (especially WC:Privateer), as well as other single-player space combat and/or trading game series such as Elite, Freespace, and X-Wing provided very substantial inspiration to the original Jumpgate." That much seems clear from the screenshots alone... and many Wing Commander fans have found Jumpgate a fun alternative over the years, given the lack of an actual Privateer Online. You can find out more (and sign up for the Evolution Beta) at their official site.

NETDEVIL ADDS NEXT CHAPTER TO ORIGINAL IP WITH JUMPGATE EVOLUTION

Leading MMO developer revitalizes franchise with exciting new game play, advanced AI engine, and complete graphics overhaul

LOUISVILLE, CO – June 25, 2007 – NetDevil, an independent game company and leading developer of massively multiplayer online games (MMOs), today announced Jumpgate Evolution as the latest iteration of the company’s original IP. Jumpgate Evolution is a substantial update to the previous Jumpgate™ MMO released in 2001, which was the world’s first massively multiplayer space combat game. Staying true to its early vision, NetDevil has improved upon the original in every way, with a complete graphics update, and the integration of advanced AI features to ensure unpredictable and compelling situations. The enhanced game play makes the game accessible to the widest possible range of users, while catering to the games’ existing and loyal fan base.

“Jumpgate Evolution offers fun, intuitive game play that is thoroughly engrossing, while the new AI encourages players to immerse themselves in various roles available in the universe,” said Scott Brown, President of NetDevil. “The game has undergone a complete graphics overhaul and has been vastly expanded to offer more weapons, and greater focus on PvE targets, making roles more refined in the process. Advanced social aspects of the MMO are available as well, including player-owned stations, complete with controllable economy, updated player statistics and rankings, and the ability for players to create squads with customizable web pages for each. The overall experience is a vital improvement in terms of playability, accessibility, as well as the overall look and feel. We think it’s a great example of just how far you can transform an existing IP.”

Jumpgate Evolution features:

• New rendering engine scaling from fixed function to pixel shaders for maximum market reach.
• Engaging and responsive AI, creating the feeling of a living, changing universe.
• Several new missions across multiple types including: combat, patrols, mining, and delivery.
• A real supply and demand economy – responsive to player trading activity.
• Engaging PvP system with factional peace and war rating, significantly affecting game dynamics.
• New user interface to make the game more engaging and accessible.

Hermann Peterscheck, lead producer on Jumpgate Evolution, added: “We saw a unique opportunity to expand the existing IP and integrate vast technical and game play improvements to breathe new life into the game. AI controlled cargo haulers can now respond to station supply requests and pirates can actively plunder these ships while being hunted by computer controlled defenders. All these interactions create a series of unpredictable episodes so that players stay completely engaged, immersed, and entertained.”