Jumpgate Evolution Development Update

[Scorch]

It’s been about three years since we originally started thinking about making Jumpgate Evolution and in those three years many of you have been following the game’s progress quite closely. You’ve watched the project grow and gain momentum as it has become what it is today. Getting the game complete and into your hands is the point we’re really eager to get to and we strive each week to get to where we can share our adventures in space together.

One of the things we’ve always promised is that we would not release an unfinished product, nor would we subject players to a sub-par experience. The worst situation for a developer is that our game does not meet the expectations of our fans. This is constantly weighed against the need and desire to release the game and let our dedicated community play the game as soon as possible. I know that many of you have seen the targeted June release date and that has generated significant excitement. As with all game development projects, we constantly have to evaluate the quality of the product against anticipation. The question always asked among ourselves, does what we have meet the expectations of the players? Is what we have a good game?

With that, let me be up front about the current state of the game from where we stand. Jumpgate Evolution is nearly feature complete, but since entering the Friends & Family phase of testing we’ve been able to bring new eyes onto the game and get solid, crucial feedback from actual players and fans. Based on these results, it is clear that the product needs more time to meet its objectives. As an example, we have received and read lots of feedback regarding the instanced and public PvP systems. The feedback has been vital in helping us polish and improve this core feature of the game. We take a lot of time in digesting and considering what people say and take feedback seriously. Given that situation I can tell you that we would rather delay the release, than let you down by releasing an unfinished product. We will continue development past June while extending the test schedules and respond to the results of those tests.

Nowadays, Massively Multiplayer Online Games have a highly competitive market and a less-than-stellar release can be the end of a title before it starts. Our passion for this game means we want to release it in a state that is complete. You have raised the bar for us and we feel a great responsibility to reach that bar and exceed it. The only thing worse than waiting is being rewarded with a product that does not live up to its potential. We’ve always had one goal while developing this game which we’ve stated over and over. That goal is to make a great, and most of all fun, space combat game. Until we, and you, are happy that the game fully meets all of those requirements we won’t release it.

We understand news of this delay is disappointing. The good news is that our immediate goal is to get the game ready for larger groups of people as we get into wider testing. This means that more people will have more time to give us the vital feedback we will need to improve the game. Once we've established our road map for the next few months we'll share with you when the revised release date is.

Thanks for your patience and continued support.

See you in space!

Scott Brown.

[PhoenixT]

Tough news, but we'll wait. But you guys do realise that these promises for higher quality will bring about higher expectations

Also, I'd love to see some more in-depth video of actual gameplay instead of the explaining-the-game-to-newbies-in-newbie-space we've seen so far.

[starbugg]

Thanks for the update Scorch.

[Rockettgirl]

bummer

[Striker_F2]

Well, it ain't great that it's going to take longer for us to get our hands on the game, but I probably share the same view as most of the people here that we would much rather have a properly polished product than a lukewarm one, so, it's probably for the best.

[Magnus-Ex]

Originally Posted by Rockettgirl

bummer

Well, not like it is any surprise. By the way it was going anyone could tell there won't be any release in June. but i think it is better this way, now we know this for sure and noone will be expecting it earlier than Crismas(of 20NN).

Thanks for the update Scorch

[Gimpylung]

Well Funcom shafted Age of Conan with a rushed Beta release so at least you're not going down that road. Release it when it's ready.

[Gwalchgwn]

"Never has a man said so little in so many words".

Well thanks for the news.

It's a shame. Maybe you guys should put out another little teaser to keep spirits up.

[Merketh]

A pushback should come as no surprise to anyone here, and most of us would agree they are making the right call. I was however expecting some more tangible beta information.

[SleeperService]

heh i might see some actual sun this summer....oh wait i live in England