The Mummy Online Closed Beta Signups, Screenshots

Bigpoint and Schell Games are gearing up for closed beta testing of The Mummy Online, and are now accepting registrations from anyone eager to give the massively multiplayer action/adventure/RPG a whirl.  A couple of new screenshots accompanied the press release, which interestingly divulges a few details about the faction and class systems:

Bigpoint Unearths The Mummy Online Closed Beta

Action-Adventure Gaming Fans can Sign-Up Now to Gain Exclusive Access before Worldwide Launch

San Francisco Nov. 15, 2011 Bigpoint (www.bigpoint.com) a worldwide leader in online games today announced that The Mummy Online (http://themummy.bigpoint.com/) has begun accepting registrations for its closed beta period. Developed in collaboration with Universal Partnerships & Licensing, The Mummy Online is a breakthrough, action-adventure RPG that delivers high-end gameplay through an engaging story inspired by the massively successful film franchise.

(We’re excited to get The Mummy Online into the hands of the fans,) said Arash Amini, Producer, Bigpoint. (As is the case with our entire portfolio of games, which can be improved and optimized on the fly, community feedback will be critical to this project’s success.)

Participants interested in joining The Mummy Online’s exclusive closed beta can register for access at http://themummy.bigpoint.com/.  Once in-game, players will fight their way through a single-player tutorial level before selecting their allegiance (Raider or Cultist) and class (Gunslinger/Assassin, Brawler/Enforcer, or Scholar/Priest).  As players gain experience through both PvE and PvP gameplay, they will be able to learn new skills, unravel special capabilities, and purchase more powerful equipment.

Battle across Cinematic Environments
Based on the existing terrain of Egypt, players can explore the map of Amarna with several PvE regions that include the Dunes, River, Maze, and Rocky Fields.  Here, players will confront a range of monsters, including several types of scarabs, scorpions, pygmies, Anubis warriors, and mummies.  Within the PvP areas of the Tomb, Oasis, and Ruins, players can battle against players of opposing allegiances and capture ancient obelisks to dominate the playing field.

With the closed beta expected to last several weeks, Bigpoint will unlock player accounts in waves to ensure game stability and performance.  At the conclusion of the closed beta period, Bigpoint will review all feedback, optimize virtually every aspect of the game, and ready The Mummy Online for the official open beta launch.

Players are encouraged to follow the closed beta’s progress and provide input through the community forum: http://en.board.bigpoint.com/mummy/.

About The Mummy Online
With treasure and fortune at stake, this is an epic battle worth fighting.  The Mummy Online is the new, free-to-play action-adventure RPG inspired by the blockbuster movie franchise, challenging you to fight in this fun, cooperative and fast-paced new 3D isometric game.  Following the events portrayed in The Mummy film franchise, mummies, and monsters have been released into the lands.  You assume the role of a Raider: on the hunt for riches and treasure or a Cultist: seeking mastery over dark powers.

About Bigpoint
Bigpoint (http://www.bigpoint.com) is an online-game developer, publisher and content provider for more than 1000 global distribution partners. Bigpoint’s free-to-play games are played by over 230 million registered users in over 30 languages. The company’s diversified portfolio includes high quality games for browser, mobile and social platforms. More than 800 employees from over 35 different nations work at the company headquarters in Hamburg, Germany or at other locations in Berlin, San Francisco, São Paulo and Malta. Bigpoint’s many distinctions in the industry include the Mashable Best Online Game Award for (Farmerama,) the (Fastest Growing Larger Company,) and (Uniqueness of Offering) prizes at the 2010 Media Momentum Awards, as well as the MTV Skyscraper Award for extraordinary achievement in game development. For more information, please visit www.bigpoint.net.

About The Mummy Film Franchise
Deep in the Egyptian desert, a handful of people searching for a long-lost treasure have just unearthed a 3,000 year-old legacy of terror. Combining the thrills of a rousing adventure with the suspense of the legendary 1932 horror classic, The Mummy is a true nonstop action epic, filled with dazzling visual effects, top-notch talent and superb storytelling.  The phenomenally popular trilogy of films expanded into theme park rides, animated series, spin-offs and reinvigorated the classic Universal Monsters legacy for a new generation of audiences.

About Universal Partnerships & Licensing
UP&L oversees Universal’s consumer product licensing, film and home entertainment promotions, and all corporate alliances for Universal’s theatrical, home entertainment, theme parks and stage productions. This dedicated division is also responsible for monetizing the Studio’s vast library of films and characters through licensing, branding and marketing opportunities. UP&L is part of NBCUniversal.  NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience.  NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. Comcast Corporation owns a controlling 51% interest in NBCUniversal, with GE holding a 49% stake.