MUMBAI: Disney Online will be launching Pirates of the Caribbean massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) based on the film franchise. Scheduled to launch in spring 2007, Pirates of the Caribbean Online will allow players to set sail on their own adventure and interact with Jack Sparrow, Will Turner, Elizabeth Swann and other characters made popular in the movie franchise, as they embark on exciting quests in search of treasure and their own notoriety.

At launch, Disney Online will offer two options for Pirates of the Caribbean Online players – “Basic Access,” a free, ad-supported section of the game that lets players jump right into the action, or “Unlimited Access” that provides access to the full game as well as premium features.

“The tremendous popularity of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise creates an exciting opportunity for our game,” said Paul Yanover, executive vice president and managing director, Disney Online. “We feel our approach to the business model for Pirates of the Caribbean Online will attract and engage a broad base of players, encompassing both fans of the franchise and MMO gamers.”

With Basic Access, all players can experience many of the game’s compelling features. In addition, it allows advertising partners to associate with the brand through online ads and other interactive ad features that will not interfere with the gameplay experience. For a monthly subscription fee of $9.95, players will have unlimited access to all game content, advertising free. Unlimited Access will unlock features previously limited with Basic Access, allowing players to experience the game’s full range of customization, game play and community interaction.

With Pirates of the Caribbean Online fans of the franchise will get to experience the swashbuckling action found in the films right on their computer. Players create and customize their own pirate, build and outfit their own ship, assemble a crew and embark on quests for adventure and treasure in an effort to become the Caribbean’s most legendary pirate. Along the way, they will interact with characters made popular by the movies such as Will Turner, Elizabeth Swann and Jack Sparrow as they forge alliances with other players, hunt for buried treasure, battle evil undead forces, and face off against enemies on land and sea.

Pirates of the Caribbean Online, developed and published by Disney Online, is being produced to appeal to a broad audience ranging from teens to adults. The games website, www.PiratesOnline.com, includes additional information and in-game assets including screenshots and webisodes.