Irth Online Un-irthed

Magic Hat Software announces development of Irth Online, an MMORPG due in Q2 of this year that's currently in the alpha testing phase. Beta testing applications for the game are currently being accepted here (though my browser tells me it cannot trust the offered SSL certificate), and their "About Magic Hat" gives a feel for the nature of this project: "The development team behind MHS has worked closely together on creating innovative non-commercial MMORPG servers and clients since 1996. The team is committed to the idea of creating a virtual world without artificial limits on player behavior or play style, and trusting players to determine their own game experience. Irth Online is Magic Hat Software’s first commercial MMORPG." Here's the announcement:
DEDHAM, MA – JANUARY 31, 2005 – Magic Hat Software (www.magichatsoftware.com) has announced its new MMORPG Irth Online (www.irthonline.com) is scheduled for commercial release in the second quarter of 2005, and that Beta test applications are now being accepted on the Irth Online web site.

“We waited until now to make our first public announcement about Irth Online because we wanted to deliver early content to players rather than just plans and promises,” said Dennis Robinson, Lead Developer. “Players are encouraged to apply for our Beta test and help improve not only the future of Irth Online civilizations, but the quality of the game itself, which is our highest priority.”

About Irth Online
Irth Online is a virtual world in which players role play characters in a free form, fantasy-based storyline. Players join Irth’s history at a period when a fragile truce exists among the far flung civilizations of the snowy Arcadians in the north, the southeastern swamps and marshes of Morbus, and the southwestern tropical region of Mezoteks – and determine the course of history for each civilization.

The persistent world environment of Irth Online features an open ended skill system. Players may learn any skill offered in the game without facing limitations of race or class. Irth Online's advancement system has a unique skill-over-time feature, allowing all characters to enjoy adventures together, regardless of experience level.

Player battle and fighting include PvE (Player vs. Environment) and PvP (Player vs. Player). Also included either at launch (or shortly thereafter) will be instance-based thievery, looting, and justice, as well as the ability to fully explore, travel, or wage war on the ground, on the sea, and in the air. Opportunities for non-warfare gameplay are also offered, along with safe areas for peaceable players.

Magic Hat Software’s in-house created engine uses the very latest technology in terms of DirectX9 effect files and vertex and pixel shaders (which include per-pixel lighting and bump/specular environment maps); allows creation of highly detailed characters with animation blending; extended visibility for the player (up to 10 miles in every direction); and unlimited, changeable terrain size with seamless background resource loading.