ESPN today announced the launch of beta testing for the full-feature version of ESPN Ultimate Baseball Online (ESPN UBO) on ESPN360 - the company’s customized broadband service.  Fans with broadband capability will also be able to download the world’s first massive multi-player online sports game from ESPN.com, the leading sports site.  Previously, ESPN Spring Training, a limited-feature version of ESPN UBO, was available to fans on ESPN360 during its recent All Access free trial week.  Among the enhancements included in the new version are enhanced graphics, new pitching and fielding practice, enhanced crowd reactions, and better artificial fielding intelligence.  ESPN UBO will be offered for FREE to gamers until its full launch on July 2.  Registration will be available on www.espn.com, www.espn360.com and www.ultimatebaseballonline.com. 

The beta of ESPN UBO, developed by Netamin® Communication Corporation, gives gamers a first-person perspective to baseball gaming via real-time online experiences.  In the game, fans and gamers compete online with and against other players in 3D virtual stadiums by controlling customized, personalized characters (avatars), playing a particular position, forming teams and leagues and playing against other ESPN UBO participants.  Players control their avatar while batting, pitching, fielding, running, stealing bases and every other baseball action.  Gamers can practice, play pick-up games, join or found their own teams, compete against rival teams, play in specialized tournaments, and win league championships in post-season play.  After creating their own characters, gamers can build their skill level (player stats) through practice and successful play. 

The beta version of ESPN UBO features a new graphics engine that runs at 60 frames per second and more than 100,000 polygons per frame - double the quantity of the previous version. Other visual enhancements include dynamic RGB lighting, soft-edged shadows, and natural reflections.

Now, can I ask where the fans are?