Jumpgate Evolution

April 20th, 2009 (3pm GMT) – Codemasters Online and NetDevil today unveiled the wealth of spacecraft that will be available for gamers to pilot in its fast-paced, epic space combat MMO, Jumpgate Evolution .

The in-depth Lore document and new screenshots released today demonstrate that no matter which of the in-game factions players choose to side with – be it Quantar, Solrain or Octavius – they can take the controls of a stunning variety of spacecraft, each with their own distinctive racial designs and functions.

Starting with ultra-light training ships and increasing in size through combat fighters and to the vast, hulking commercial freighters that ferry cargo across the galaxy, players are certain to find a ship type that perfectly suits their personal style of play.

Budding pilots can expect a huge variety of ships to fly at Jumpgate Evolution’s launch in June, each of which can be categorised into one of three distinct classes: Fighters, Gunboats and Commercial Cargo Ships.

• Fighters

All rookie pilots begin Jumpgate Evolution with a simple Trainer vessel, a light-duty combat craft with great handling and minimal extras, making them perfect for spaceflight learners. As players progress they can move onto more powerfully armed ships, either Combat Fighters, that specialise in ship-to-ship combat and are ideal for escort or patrol missions, or the faster, lighter Advance Fighters, which are designed for tactical reconnaissance and sabotage sorties.

• Gunboats

These heavily armed weapon platforms’ thick armour, powerful cannons and high torpedo payloads make them perfect for leading assaults on hostile capital ships, though they can be slower to manoeuvre than Fighter ships. Combat Gunboats form the backbone of any major strike force and, together with the aid of smaller support craft, pack a powerful punch. Support Gunboats possess similar levels of armour and shields as their Combat counterparts, but come loaded with Electronic Counter Measures and support abilities instead of weapons. While not directly involved in combat, they can help turn the tide of a major battle.

• Commercial Cargo Ships

Commercial ships are the heart of the galaxy’s economic welfare, moving commodities and goods throughout space. Though not suited for combat, all carry some level of shields and armament. Runners are fast, small to moderately-sized cargo vessels favoured by one-man delivery outfits along with pirates and smugglers. Freighters are vast cargo ships that trundle enormous quantities of commercial goods, legal or otherwise, throughout space.

In addition, players also have the option to fully adapt and customise their ships with a vast range of different weapons, amour set-ups and unique modifications, further increasing the enormous variety between each of the different spacecraft types that will populate the Jumpgate Evolution universe when it launches this June. For more information on Jumpgate Evolution and to sign up for BETA visit, jump over to www.jumpgateevolution.com

ABOUT JUMPGATE EVOLUTION

Developed by the highly experienced US-based MMOG developer NetDevil, Jumpgate Evolution is an exhilarating space combat MMO, set in a vast, expanding universe, where players join one of three playable human nations struggling for survival in a distant galaxy. Embarking on an immersive and action-packed space adventure, players can build fortunes by trading valuable commodities, take part in intense battles against massive Capital ships, meet and play with friends and build their reputation as a legendary intergalactic hero. Featuring a rich and varied universe to explore, Jumpgate Evolution has been designed for experienced and novice MMO players alike with high scalability and extensive peripheral support, including the Microsoft Xbox 360® Controller for Windows®.

ABOUT CODEMASTERS

Codemasters is a leading developer and publisher of best-selling interactive entertainment products for a global audience across multiple gaming platforms and channels. Established in 1986, the company’s dominant brands include Colin McRae DiRT, Race Driver GRID, Overlord and Operation Flashpoint; the company recently secured the exclusive worldwide video game rights to FORMULA 1. Codemasters is headquartered in Warwickshire UK, with North American operations based in Universal City, Calif. The company also maintains operations in Japan, Germany, France, Spain, Benelux and Malaysia. Codemasters receives over two million visitors to its web site every month, discover why at www.codemasters.com

ABOUT NETDEVIL, LTD

NetDevil is a leading game development company that specializes in the development and construction of massively multiplayer online games (MMOs). Founded in 1997, under the inspiration of Jumpgate ^TM , the world’s first massively multiplayer space simulator, the company carries on a commitment to creating interactive, virtual worlds in unique and elaborate settings. Currently, the company is developing two major MMO titles – Jumpgate Evolution and LEGO Universe. Led by a development team of talented and experienced industry veterans, NetDevil has grown to over 100 employees. All NetDevil employees share a common vision to bring the mysteries of new and exciting worlds to life as immersive online universes.

NetDevil is a part of Gazillion Entertainment. For more information about the companies, visit www.netdevil.com or www.gazillion.com

Codemasters is a registered trademark owned by The Codemasters Software Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Windows and Xbox 360 are either registered trademarks or trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.