DigitalBattle.com

[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/-0daH8ZdUAU" width="460" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]
Above is the trailer for Echelon Software’s first IP, a game called Black Powder Red Earch – a multi-player only FPS, “co-designed by former US Special Operations Forces members and private security contractors.” The game is said to be similar to Second Life, in that virtual money (named “virt cash” so far) is earned and can be used to buy new items, weapons and armour. Players can even start their own virtual companies called Private Military Companies, which will be similar to guilds.

“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.”

Hopefully the game works out well as the FPS genre could do with a new direction, and Black Powder Red Earth could open up a whole new style of gaming. Don’t let the somewhat boring trailer curve an early judgment, this could be interesting.

See:Destructiod, GameSpot