Jumpgate Evolution beta hits 250,000 sign-ups

Codemasters Online has revealed that sign-ups for its forthcoming sci-fi MMO, Jumpgate Evolution, have hit the 250,000 mark, making it the biggest ever beta campaign the company has worked on.

The company, which was also responsible for publishing Dungeons & Dragons Online and Lord of the Rings Online, noted that the game was currently in 'Friends and Family' testing.

"This is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved with Jumpgate Evolution," said David Solari, VP of Codemasters Online. "We have received overwhelming support for the game since the commencement of its beta sign up last year and our fans have been clamouring for the beta. We expect our fans to agree that it was well worth the wait."

And Scott Brown, president of the game's developer, NetDevil added: "Our players' enthusiasm continues to exceed our expectations at every milestone and we are extremely excited to achieve such fantastic support. We have thoroughly enjoyed obtaining some valuable feedback from the people in our Friends and Family test, helping us to take the next major step towards launch."

The game was originally slated for a September 1 release date, but that was recently pushed back - although no specifics on a new date have yet been revealed.