Approaching its sixth year of operation, NetDevil's space-based MMO Jumpgate will soon be receiving a major update. Yesterday the company announced Jumpgate Evolution, which will enhance the original game with a graphics update, advanced AI features, a new user interface, and further improvements to its economic infrastructure.

"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," said NetDevil president Scott Brown. "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 original Jumpgate was launched in September 2001 by developer NetDevil. Players of Jumpgate can participate in trade, mining, or combat, the latter of which boasts a physics-based, skill-dependent flight model. Lauded for its scope, but faulted for its bland presentation, the update seems intended to elevate the property into competition with space-themed MMO alternatives such as EVE Online.

"We saw a unique opportunity to expand the existing IP and integrate vast technical and gameplay improvements to breathe new life into the game," said Jumpgate lead producer Hermann Peterscheck. "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."

NetDevil also released a few screenshots of Jumpgate Evolution. Those looking to try out the game early can sign up for a beta slot at the Jumpgate website.