Game Insider #8: Summer Swabbies Aug. '07 Newsletter

[Batleth]

As you may know, Phase 1 of the Pirates of the Caribbean Online Beta test came to a close on July 16th. During Phase 1, thousands of players adventured through the treacherous lands and waters of the Caribbean in an effort to help out the development process. This first phase provided us with tons of great information and feedback - all of which has been really helpful as we continue to work hard in preparation for Phase 2 of the Beta test coming in Septemeber. Thanks for your continued support - we look forward to crossing swords with you in the Caribbean soon!



The first official Pirates Online contest has arrived! The rules are simple: take a look at the two screenshots we've provided, come up with an original, creative caption for each of them, mail us your completed entry form, and win! Yes, it's that easy! Entries must be postmarked by September 14, 2007 - click here for the submission form and contest details, including the official rules. Good luck!


Each year we scour the seas to find the best of the best - the chosen few who are lucky enough to land an internship with the Walt Disney Internet Group! Meet the Summer Swabbies...they've been working with the VR Studio on Pirates Online all summer...and now they're talking! Check out what they have to say as you step into A Day In the Life!

But wait, there's more! You can also meet them "face to face" in this month's Video Insider.


We've given PiratesOnline.com a complete overhaul! Now its easier to navigate through the site in order to get all the latest news, development updates, downloads, and more!

We've also added some great new screenshots for your viewing pleasure! Enjoy!


Pirate speak feeling a little rusty? No need to fear - Pirate Words of the Month are here!

Broadside: To fire all guns simultaneously on one side of a ship - a great way to clear traffic jams.
Cutlass: A short bladed single-edged sword usually slightly curved and only sharpened on the outer blade...ouch, sounds pointy!
Gibbet: Public gallows used for displaying criminals to the public. It was custom to display pirates in this way as a warning to would-be pirates entering a city, town, or harbor - not the nicest "Welcome to town" sign!
Mutiny: When the crew rises against those in charge of the ship, taking over command - we've been told not to get any ideas...


Seems that some players from Phase 1 of the Beta are going through Pirates Online withdrawals. We can relate...it's happening over here too! Here are some symptoms I've noticed our players have been experiencing:

- Practicing cutlass skills with a broom.
- Using "ahoy" and dressing like a pirate in other non-pirate games.
- Digging holes in the yard looking for buried treasure. Then afterwards, telling the neighbors, "Wonder why they never give us plunder anymore?"
- Grabbing a bottle of tartar sauce from the seafood counter and aiming it at the crab cakes, while yelling, "Bring it on!"
- Repainting your garage door all black with a skull and crossbones on it.
- Staring blankly at the computer screen, thinking...I know I should be somewhere, doing something...and then snapping out of the trance, only to realize you are digging around the Internet, looking for pirate gold and other treasures. - Demanding you be paid in gold doubloons for anything someone asks you to do.

Special thanks to Queen, AuntieVoodoo, Kate Bluefish, Aabbi Goldbonnet, Tiki, and Ariel for providing the crew over here with some hearty laughter!


Q: Even though Phase 1 of the Beta is over, can I still register for a Beta key for Phase 2? Or do I have to wait until Phase 2 starts?

A: Great question - seems like a lot of people are wondering the same thing! Here's the deal...if you participated in Phase 1 of the Beta, you DO NOT need to re-register to participate in Phase 2. We will contact you once Phase 2 begins to let you know you are all set to log in and play! You also DO NOT need to re-register if you are receiving this newsletter - that confirms that you are already registered at PiratesOnline.com AND opted in to the newsletter (which you need to be in order to be eligible for the Beta test lottery). On the other hand, if you DID NOT participate in phase 1 of the Beta test, are NOT yet registered at PiratesOnline.com and/or NOT opted in to receive the newsletter, then you CAN still register now for the chance to participate in Phase 2 of the Beta test. All you have to do is go to www.piratesonline.com and click on the SIGN-UP button to register - make sure you opt in to receive the newsletter - this is necessary in order to be placed in the lottery! Hope that wasn't too confusing!



PiratesOnline.com