Pirates set sail January 22nd

Sony Online Entertainment and Flying Lab Software announced this morning that their pirate-themed MMORPG, Pirates of the Burning Sea, will launch worldwide on January 22. PotBS is the most anticipated of the current crop of pirate MMOs.All players in PotBS are captains, and can join one of four factions: the French, Spanish, English, or Pirate nations. Both sea battles and land-based combat are featured. The economy includes mines, lumber mills and shipyards.

Through the player-generated content system, players can create their own sail and flag designs to display in game and even model their own ships.

“The vast amount of player-created content and the intense strategy required in Pirates of the Burning Sea sets it apart from any other MMO on the market,” said D Tim Granich of SOE. “Gamers will be donning their captain’s gear and eagerly awaiting their next battle on land or sea.”

The game takes place in the New World circa 1720. There will be over 1,000 missions per nation at launch time.

Pre-orders begin on Tuesday, October 23rd. Players that pre-order get an invitation to the “Pre-Boarding Party,” giving them access to the live game 15 days prior to launch. During this time, players can level up to 20 and keep their characters after launch, with a purchase of the game and paid monthly subscription. Players who pre-order and purchase the game will also get an in-game parrot and weapon, and a music CD.