Jumpgate Evolution

About Game: What is Jumpgate Evolution?
Jumpgate Evolution is a Massive Multiplayer Online Game (MMOG) set in a science-fiction persistent world. Jumpgate takes all of the highly successful elements of the space action genre and brings them into a fully online universe accessible by thousands of people simultaneously from around the world.
What is an MMOG?
MMOG stands for massively multiplayer online game. MMOGs allow thousands of players to adventure and socialise together at the same time. In Jumpgate Evolution, you will be one of the thousands of players interacting with each other every day. This creates a living environment populated by people across the world.
Will you need an internet connection to play Jumpgate Evolution?
Yes
How many languages will the game be localised in?
In addition to being available in English, the game will be fully localised into French and German.
How does Jumpgate differ from other MMOGs?
Jumpgate differs from other MMOGs in many ways. While most current generation Massive Multiplayer Online Games take advantage of traditional turn-based combat systems, Jumpgate utilises a fully immersive ‘twitch-based’ system which allows the player to engage combat in a ship-to-ship action orientated style. Jumpgate is also highly accessible allowing it to run on a range of low spec PCs, and has an endless stream of content with an innovative mission generator mechanic so players will never find themselves having nothing to do. All of this, as well as massive scale player vs. player battles, advanced Artificial Intelligence and a starter experience that requires no complicated tutorial allows Jumpgate to take the MMO space genre in a whole new direction.
Will Jumpgate support Peripherals?
Yes, you will be able to play Jumpgate with keyboard & mouse, joysticks and game controllers.
What will the minimum system requirements for Jumpgate be?
OS: Windows 2000/XP/Vista
CPU: Intel Pentium® III 800 MHz or AMD Athlon 800 MHz
RAM: 512 MB+
Network: 56k modem or better Internet connection
Video: 32 MB 3D graphics card with Hardware Transform and Lighting
DirectX™ 9.0c (included) and latest video drivers

Please note these are subject to any changes.
When will Jumpgate Evolution be released?
We are currently targetting for a 2009 release.
When will the Jumpgate Beta begin?
We have not yet announced the schedule for our Beta testing events. Stay tuned for more announcements on www.jumpgateevolution.com. If you have not yet signed up to participate in the Beta you can do so here: http://www.jumpgateevolution.com/beta_signup.php
What format will Jumpgate be available in at launch?
The game will be available on PC DVD.
Will there be a Mac/other platform version?
At launch this will be a Windows™ only game
Who is the developer/publisher?
The game is being developed by NetDevil, a Louisville, CO based 3rd party development house. NetDevil will be running the game in the US, with Codemasters Online distributing the game to stores. Codemasters Online will be both distributing and operating in Europe.
Will Jumpgate be released globally at the same time?
We are currently aiming to release Jumpgate Evolution in Europe and North America at the same time.
What is the backstory of Jumpgate Evolution?
Jumpgate Evolution is set in a rich and unique universe. Three playable factions all roam the stars in search of rebuilding a torn civilisation after a great Shift moved them across the galaxy and into unfamiliar space, where danger lurks in every corner. For an in-depth look at the backstory of Jumpgate Evolution visit the Galactic Database History entries.
Will there be multiple servers/shards?
There will be as many shards and servers as needed to support the game’s population.
What is the game's status?
Jumpgate Evolution is currently in the "alpha testing" stage.
Gameplay: Do I control my ship?
Yes! You have direct flight and combat control of your ship.
Can I use a joystick?
Yes. You can use a joystick, a keyboard & mouse and many other peripherals such as gamepads.
How is combat handled?
Combat is free-form and 'twitch' based. Twitch based combat adds the element of reflex and precision to Jumpgate, along with using tactics, strategy, and problem solving to excel in the game.
What are the playable nations?
Player will be able to choose to fly under a possible three Nations. These Nations are The Quantar, The Solrain and The Octavius. For a more in-depth look at the Nations please refer to the Nations section of the Galactic Database.
How many players can be in the same ship?
Currently each player has full control of one ship at a time.
Are there skills or dedicated trade professions?
The skills that you acquire as a pilot will be how well you fly your ship rather than traditional skillsets. We will have crafting and trade professions but they will not be restricted, meaning anyone can take part!
Are there any non-combat activities to participate in?
Yes, there are many additional activities to persue in addition to combat. Some of these include: mining, manufacturing, hauling, selling and trading products.
How do I excel in combat?
Being a twitched based game, flight and combat skills will set you apart against other players, The choice of equipment and combat ships will also help improve your combat experience. But ultimately, practice will be one of your greatest allies in Jumpgate Evolution.
What's a License?
Licenses are made available for purchase as both your rank and faction increase and they allow you to advance in a variety of activities as well as purchase upgrades in equipment.
Are there classes in JGE?
Another way that Jumpgate is different from other traditional MMO's is that we don't have classes. Everyone is a pilot. There are different classes of ships of course: haulers, light and heavy combat ships , mining vessles and so on, but it's not the case that you choose to be a "miner" and therefore can not fly a combat ship.
Can I own more than one ship at a time?
Yes, players can store ships in a Hangar, this allows players to choose the ship they wish to use depending on the situation they're about to face.
Is there collision damage?
Collision damage is present in Jumpgate Evolution. The amount of damage that you get when you slam into a solid object is proportional to the speed/mass of your ship.
Are there levels in JGE?
In Jumpgate Evolution, players gain ranks, which are similar to levels. Gaining a higher rank will unlock the ability to acquire different kinds of equipment or spacecrafts.
How will the economy be handled?
There will be a largely player-driven economy consisting of activities that include mining, transporting, manufacturing, salvaging, and trading. There are plans for an order-based public market ("auction house") system, as well as numerous space-based production structures including ore depots, refineries and factories for players to interact with.
Will the game support VoIP?
Yes! We are working with Dolby, one of world’s leader in audio technology to bring in-game voice chat to our players..
What different view points will I be able to use?
Players will be able to fly and use their ships using both a first person and a third person view. We are currently exploring more options such as 3D cockpits to provide an intuitive user interface for the first person mode but this has yet to be finalised.
Are there alien races?
All player nations (Octavius, Solrain, Quantar) fall under the Humanity banner. However, you will able to fight against other alien species, one example being the Conflux.
How many character slots will I have access to per server?
At present there are six slots available per server. This may change as the development process continues and evolves.
How do I travel from one sector to another?
To fly from one sector of space to another players must locate and use a "Jumpgate" which connects the two sectors together. A Jumpgate can only be linked to one other Jumpgate, so multiple jumps might be required to reach your desired location within space.
What game play features are there in Jumpgate Evolution?
Jumpgate Evolution has a whole host of gameplay features. For an extensive list of gameplay features please visit the features page of the website.