Codemasters Online Gaming has today confirmed that it has teamed up with NetDevil to publish and operate Jumpgate Evolution, a new re-imagining of a 2001 MMO. Scheduled for launch on PC in 'late 2008', Jumpgate Evolution is set to take players into the abyss of space with three factions to choose from in a bid to become a galactic hero - or an infamous space pirate.

'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."

"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."

Neither NetDevil or Codemasters Online Gaming have experienced much success with their online ventures in recent years. NetDevil's previous work included the vehicular MMO 'Auto Assault' for NCsoft, which shut its servers in August 2007 after just sixteen months. Codemasters Online Gaming's own highlight may be the European operation of Turbine's Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar, but it's launched a couple of stinkers too: both RF Online and Archlord dropped their subscriptions and became 100% free to play after a lack of activity on their respective servers in the West.

So with both NetDevil and COG's fortunes failing to hit the heights of their own expectations, what can be said about Jumpgate Evolution's potential fortunes at the end of the year...other than 'best of luck'.