A press release sent out by Codemasters today celebrates Jumpgate Evolution's beta, which has just reached 250k sign-ups. With a quarter of a million people interested in testing out the game, that makes it the largest beta campaign in Codemasters' history. This fact would be much more interesting if, you know, the game wasn't delayed. Technically, if they keep pushing it back, the number of sign-ups could go even higher. Hell, I'd kill to see the excitement in Codemasters' offices when they reach one million sign-ups in 2010, or three million in 2011.

For as excited as I am for the game, this sort of thing never means anything good. If the development was progressing better, I'd think they would be able to stir up news by releasing a new trailer, some screenshots, or even starting the open beta. Throwing together a press release about exactly how NOT out the game is feels a bit desperate. It's still among my most anticipated MMOs for whatever year it's going to come out, but they're making it hard to keep up the optimism. The press release is below, and lets hope it's followed up with something more interesting.

250K launches Jumpgate Evolution® Beta campaign into the stratosphere!

Upcoming space combat MMO reaches 250K Beta sign ups to become Codemasters Online’s biggest ever Beta campaign.

Universal City, Calif. – July 21, 2009 – Codemasters Online and NetDevil announced that Jumpgate Evolution, the eagerly anticipated new space combat MMO, has reached a landmark 250,000 Beta sign ups in North America and Europe and has subsequently become Codemasters Online’s biggest ever Beta campaign.

Jumpgate Evolution is currently in the Friends and Family testing phase, already providing select gamers with a chance to experience the game’s sci-fi thrills first-hand. NetDevil’s aim is that these tests will provide the community with the opportunity to change the game, on the basis of producing a highly enjoyable and quality experience.

“This is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved with Jumpgate Evolution,” said David Solari, Vice President, Codemasters Online. “We have received overwhelming support for the game since the commencement of its Beta sign up last year and our fans have been clamoring for the Beta. We expect our fans to agree that it was well worth the wait.”

“Our players’ enthusiasm continues to exceed our expectations at every milestone and we are extremely excited to achieve such fantastic support,” said Scott Brown, President of NetDevil. “We have thoroughly enjoyed obtaining some valuable feedback from the people in our Friends & Family test, helping us to take the next major step towards launch.”

Developed by the highly experienced US-based MMOG developer NetDevil, Jumpgate Evolution is an exhilarating space combat MMO, set in a vast expanding universe, that allows players to choose from one of three playable Nations and engage in an intense action-packed gaming experience. While embarking on an immersive and accessible space adventure, players can trade valuable commodities, take part in awesome intergalactic battles, meet and play with friends and live out the dream of an elite hero. The game features a rich and varied universe to explore and has been designed for experienced and novice MMO players alike.

For more information on Jumpgate, or to sign up for BETA, visit: www.jumpgateevolution.com