Outspark, a leading virtual playground filled with online community-based games for all ages, today announced the closed beta test for its newest title, the free-to-play militaristic first-person shooter Blackshot. Aspiring guns for hire can register for a free Outspark account and apply for the Closed Beta Test now at www.playblackshot.com. The Test lasts from September 30 to October 5, 2008.

Blackshot hurls participants into a virtual war zone filled with fierce head-to-head action. As powerful nations compete for money and resources, players must take on the role of a mercenary and battle one another for status and rewards in the game’s dangerous environments. Featuring powerful weapons, lifelike characters and gritty urban backdrops, Blackshot’s intense multiplayer action is designed for gamers of all skill levels.

Features of the Blackshot Closed Beta include:

• 4 battle-ready mercenaries to choose from
• 17 powerful weapons including assault rifles, machine guns and grenades
• 7 varied maps and 3 challenging game modes
• More than 30 pieces of armor to customize your character

To support the CBT launch of Blackshot, Outspark has partnered with IGN’s FilePlanet (www.fileplanet.com) on a promotion to give away beta keys.

Following the conclusion of the Closed Beta, Blackshot will be available to worldwide audiences with an Open Beta launch later this year.