Tactical Online FPS Announced By Echelon Software
'Black Powder Red Earth' Setting Down in Mars Complete With Storefront
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Echelon Software has announced a new Online FPS aimed to unite "Multiplayer Action with Social Networking in Tactical FPS action [combined] with a persistent virtual marketplace for an entirely new gaming experience." Black Powder Red Earth was designed by former US Spec-Ops Forces and private security contractors with operational experience in over 32 countries according to Echelon Software.
"Rather than build an elaborate 3D world space, BPRE uses the same framework commonly found on the Web for social networking. Players are already used to creating and managing online identities on sites like Myspace and Orkut. They are also buying and selling real and virtual products on sites like Ebay, iTunes and Amazon. By using these familiar tools, BPRE keeps the learning curve as flat as possible," says Jon Chang, president of Echelon. "Best of all, unbinding these activities from the game executable gives players access to the world of BPRE either from inside the game or from the outside via any Web-enabled device. Persistence is the real world, anytime the players want it."
The title will be set on Mars in 2043 with players acting as mercenaries for warring corporations. Players will naturally have access to all the latest technological advances in weaponry and armor as they prepare for team battles in urban and sprawling environments. This is where the marketplace comes in, as BPRE will have players purchasing all their equipment including upgrades. But the market won't be just another money sink, as players rank-up they will be able to open their own mercenary franchises complete with shops and recruiting outposts that act as a launching pad to quality guild formations.
"Rather than build an elaborate 3D world space, BPRE uses the same framework commonly found on the Web for social networking. Players are already used to creating and managing online identities on sites like Myspace and Orkut. They are also buying and selling real and virtual products on sites like Ebay, iTunes and Amazon. By using these familiar tools, BPRE keeps the learning curve as flat as possible," says Jon Chang, president of Echelon. "Best of all, unbinding these activities from the game executable gives players access to the world of BPRE either from inside the game or from the outside via any Web-enabled device. Persistence is the real world, anytime the players want it."
The title will be set on Mars in 2043 with players acting as mercenaries for warring corporations. Players will naturally have access to all the latest technological advances in weaponry and armor as they prepare for team battles in urban and sprawling environments. This is where the marketplace comes in, as BPRE will have players purchasing all their equipment including upgrades. But the market won't be just another money sink, as players rank-up they will be able to open their own mercenary franchises complete with shops and recruiting outposts that act as a launching pad to quality guild formations.