In BPRE, you play as one of hundreds of mercenaries that are cleaning up shop on Mars in the not-so-distant future, and, as such, are paid handsomely. With your "virt cash" (a name that I hope changes before the game is released) players can buy new weapons, armor, and start their own Private Military Companies, which acts as a clan or guild.

While this isn't that big a deal in its own right, Echelon seems to think that BPRE's online, MMO setup will usher in a whole new level of player interaction -- think of it as Web 2.0 but with less buzzwords:

"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.

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."

So far, so good. The next logical step, in my eyes, is to offer downloadable content for those who have the virtual dough. That way, players would feel some sort of incentive to play the game, play it well, and to keep the servers populated. BRPE will revolutionize neither the FPS genre nor social networking, but it is a small step towards integrating people's "real" and "virtual" lives.

This, of course, is pure speculation of the worst kind -- I just like the idea of buying stuff with points in a game. Which would explain the inherent draw of arcades. Okay, I'm rambling.

Oh, and did I mention that BPRE is yet another game that will be licensing Epic's Unreal Engine 3? Mark Rein that this to say about UE3 and Echelon:

Can't stop! Won't stop! Respeck!

Unfortunately, the dull, blocky, and uninspired graphics don't exactly inspire confidence, UE3 or not. But, like every game with no visible release date or platform, I'm going to reserve judgment until a little more information is available.

[Thanks to Boe Jurling for pointing this out to me, and to DMV for handling the images. You guys are peaches.]

Echelon Unites Multiplayer Action with Social Networking in

Tactical FPS action combines with a persistent virtual marketplace for an entirely new gaming experience

New York, NY- Jun 26, 2007 Echelon Software announces Black Power Red Earth, a multiplayer-only first-person shooter that combines highly stylized visuals and fast-moving tactical action with a persistent virtual marketplace and social network. Co-designed by former US Special Operations Forces members and private security contractors with operational experience in 32 countries on four continents, including Afghanistan and Iraq, BPRE captures the insane pace of high speed direct action missions like no game ever before!

"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."

Set on Mars in 2043, Players act as mercenary soldiers executing contracts for warring corporations in a variety of urban/industrial sprawls, using bleeding edge weapons in hi-tech team based battles for virtual currency that can be used to purchase new weapons, upgrade existing weapons, buy armor and tactical enhancements to fine tune their in-game experience. As players rank up, they will also be able to open their own mercenary franchises. These franchises provide a base for recruiting other players into a clan, offer in- game advantages for members and allow the owners to open their own storefronts that compete against the game MSRPs and can generate "cash" from new players of the game.

"FPS games are 'pick up and play' games that provide instant gratification with short, fast rounds and specific limited goals," Chang continues. "In BPRE we've extended that by rewarding players with in-game currency that can be used to customize the experience and set up their own in-game enterprises. Echelon has detached the social network and virtual marketplace from the game itself, so that it can be accessed from any Web-enabled device!"

Black Powder Red Earth Features:

Game features include:

• Multiplayer-only, allowing up to 16 players to battle online together
• Next-generation graphics powered by Unreal Engine 3
• 8 contract campaign plays out in a detailed near-future 3D environments
• Earn "virt cash" to collect more than 100 parts and accessories
• Customize weapons, browse for new items, and build a career in a familiar Web interface in- game or from any Web browser at any time!
• Build a franchise private military company (PMC) with other players or create a competing store front to sell arms and gear to other players
• Association with former PMC operatives ensures realistic game play

About Echelon Software

Echelon Software was formed in 2006 by Jon Chang (CEO), Altay Murat (CTO), and Phil Smith (CCO). With over 35 years combined experience producing entertainment/edutainment applications for clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to Defense Contractors to video game companies to HBO. Echelon's team has developed team structures and methodologies that consistently produces and ship high quality product time and time again. A large part of that has involved a philosophy of creating tools for artists that allow them use tools they already know rather than learn new ones every time a new feature is introduced. Essentially give the artist as much control as possible so creativity and productivity is not hampered by learning curves. This creates an environment which allows for rapid iteration and rapid prototyping giving us the perspective to finely tune every product we ship. With offices are currently located in Astoria, NY, Black Powder | Red Earth is Echelon Software's first original IP.

Website: http://www.echelon-software.com