Have you ever wanted to be a space-pirate? Who hasn't, really? Well if that career appeals to you, you may want to check out the open beta for Pirate Galaxy. The testing phase for this free-to-play browser-based MMORPG just opened for all interested players.

Whil you defend the weakened human colonies against the vicious MANTIS, developer Splitscreen Studios will also be listening to your suggestions. During the closed beta phase, players asked for features such as features such as direct keyboard controls for spaceships, which was ultimately added.

The full press release regarding the announcement can be found after the jump. If you'd like to participate in the beta, head over to the Pirate Galaxy website.

Hamburg March 11th 2009 – Leading European MMOG Publisher gamigo is happy to announce the official open beta phase start of the science-fiction 3D browser MMOG Pirate Galaxy. Every player who registers now on www.pirategalaxy.com can start playing for free immediately.

Intense Spaceaction in the Browser

In Pirate Galaxy the player becomes a courageous space-pirate, who has the mission to defend the weakened human colonies against the vicious MANTIS. To do so, there is no need for a client installation; Pirate Galaxy is easily playable in the browser, without having to take any cutbacks regarding the High Res 3D graphics.

During the closed beta phase Pirate Galaxy already gained thousands of amazed players, who are ever since successfully defending the VEGA-system against the MANTIS. Developer Splitscreen Studios reacted to the players’ suggestions and already added some demanded features like direct keyboard controls for space-ships.

Furthermore the first stargate was opened recently, allowing players to travel to ANTARES, another solar system full of unique planets, exciting missions as well as new threats. In addition the “Clan Wars” system, which was introduced during the closed beta, allows clans to battle against each other over planets and gain attractive advantages for defending them.

Close Cooperation with the Fans

Now it’s time to open the tantalizing Galaxy for all players: with immediate effect, every player who registers in the main menu of the game will be unlocked to participate in exciting outer space adventures. Gamigo and Splitscreen Studios will spend their time during the open beta phase on improving and adding new contents to Pirate Galaxy. Players will have the chance to get a first glimpse at the item shop, while spending provided in-game money on some of the special offers.

“We are very happy to make Pirate Galaxy available for all players” says Elmar Kofler, Product Manager at gamigo. “Already during the closed beta we were able to realize a lot of the players’ suggestions. Now we hope this synergetic working style will continue in the open beta phase.”

Further information, screenshots and of course the access to the game can be found on www.pirategalaxy.com

In Pirate Galaxy the player immerges into a Science-Fiction-World, where the galaxy is controlled by maleficent aliens, called MANTIS. The player takes control of a spaceship and takes his fate into his own hands. Along with thousands of other online-pirates, players will fight with aliens, hunt for worthwhile treasures and reconquer the despoiled colonies.

Pirate Galaxy introduces a new era of browser-games and offers a fantastic Science-Fiction-Online-World to the gamers. The game can be played via a client-program, or directly in a web-browser from almost any PC. In both cases players are able to navigate their spaceships through a high-resolution 3D-ambience.

Features:

• detailed 3D-Graphic within the browser
• exciting real-time-fights in PVE and PVP-Modes
• spaceships can be adjusted individually
• motivating role-playing-elements
• a huge game universe with hundreds of planets and innumerable quests
• easy and simple navigation
• comprehensible user interface
• free to play – no payments, no monthly fees