Codemasters Online Partners with NetDevil to Bring New MMO for 2008!

Codemasters Online set to release NetDevil's all-new space based MMORPG Jumpgate Evolution for North America / Europe.

29th January (2pm GMT) - Codemasters Online have today unveiled their next generation MMORPG set for release in 2008, Jumpgate. Developed by the US-based experienced MMOG developer NetDevil, Jumpgate is a space-based MMO incorporating all-new action style gameplay like never seen before in any previous online game.

'We are very pleased to be working with NetDevil to release this exciting project across North America & Europe. Jumpgate brings something new and fresh to the online persistent space," commented David Solari, Vice President, Codemasters Online. "The all-action approach and thrilling, twitch-based space combat really sets it apart from other MMOs in the market and we are very much looking forward to releasing this space epic in late 2008."

Jumpgate is the definitive space combat MMO allowing players to choose from one of three playable nations and engage in an intense action-packed universe. Embarking on an immersive and accessible space adventure players can trade valuable commodities, take part in dangerous outer-space raids, meet and play with friends and live out the dream to become an elite hero or infamous space pirate. The game features both a rich and varied universe to explore and has been designed for experienced and novice MMO players alike.

"We're really excited about this relationship. Codemasters has already established themselves as a premium game developer and publisher; as well as one of the most successful MMO operators in the business. Very few companies have those kinds of credentials." commented Scott Brown, President of NetDevil. "This combination of experience and dedication is a perfect fit for NetDevil and we are thrilled to be working with such a great partner."

Codemasters Online have confirmed that they will be the exclusive publisher / operator of this next generation MMO across Europe and will be working along with NetDevil to bring the game to the North American market.

For more information on Jumpgate visit www.jumpgateevolution.com

Now, attendees of the upcoming GDC Serious Games Summit will have the chance to learn just how he does it. In the presentation "Being Brian Crecente: Using an Off-The-Shelf Role Playing Game to Teach Journalism," by University of Minnesota's Nora Paul, you too can learn the secrets of Brian's bird shirt, his blinding smile and most importantly, his hidden obsession with writing talent Mark Wilson.

So what's weird about this presentation? Brian didn't even know it was happening. As in, Brian was checking out the GDC presentation website and spotted it. And then he ran to tell us all but was stopped short, his head too big to fit through the door of his office.

Serious Games Summit [gdc]

The third person shooting element was very much influenced by Gears of War.

I'm starting to think that Nintendo isn't going to send Wiis to any stores for sale. Instead they're going to follow their marketing strategy and let people buy empty boxes and then send them a little piece of the console every week for three years.

In the latest bit of death by PR, GamePro has confirmed that Nintendo isn't finished telling us about the Wii. No, they still have anywhere from a "big Wii revelation" to a "couple of other surprises" to spring on us before the console is in our hot little hands.

The question is when, exactly, will they be doing the springing? I mean, in less than three weeks I can just walk into a store and figure out the surprises all on my own.

More importantly what will the surprises to revelation be? My money is on the Wii in fact being one of the horsemen of the apocalypse, maybe the third. That when millions of gamers the world over pry open the white lid of their Wii boxes, they will spark Armageddon and the end of days. Just in case, I plan to open my Wii box with a frying pan in hand. Smack that little bastard on the head if it tries anything funny. Brian Crecente

Could Nintendo be sniggering behind their hands, waiting to spring another shock on its poor, unsuspecting audience? Joystiq reports that Go Nintendo says that French gaming blog ActuJV has a man on the inside. Oh how I love these he-said, she-said daisychains, and how come the French get all this stuff first?

According to ActuJV's source, this is what has been goin' down:

Nintendo has been playing us the fool all along. They have been showing us trailers for games that have deliberately downgraded graphics compared to what the Wii can actually do. This is to create an element of surprise for the press during Nintendo's next media event.

The next media event is on September 15th in NYC, and you can be sure the French will be in attendance. Eliza Gauger

more here [Joystiq]