In response to the widespread misconception that the upcoming space shooter Miner Wars 2081 is the same game as the Miner Wars MMO, the developers Keen Software House have announced that anyone who pre-ordered MW2081 will receive a free copy of the Miner Wars MMO when it is released.
Miner Wars 2081 is currently for sale as a playable “Pre-Alpha Build”, and purchasing it will grant buyers access to all of the updates, right up to the final release. This version of Miner Wars is a FPS in which players pilot space fighters using combat mechanics which are somewhere between a flight simulator and a standard FPS. It has a single-player campaign mode and Keen Software House has confirmed that it will also have an online multiplayer element, much like other shooters, however it will not be a true MMO.
The MMO version of Miner Wars is still in the early stages of development. It will be released as a sort of expansion pack about six months after MN2081 comes out. Anyone who purchases Miner Wars 2081 before December first will receive the MMO for free. Exact details, and a flustered explanation can be found on the Miner Wars website in a forum thread devoted to the issue.
