I've never been a fan of POTBS because of the unrealistic flat arcade sea, the goofey colored sails, and the complete lack of a playable Dutch faction. However, for those of you who play and have played (former or current members), Sony and Flying Lab software put out the following announcement and FAQ today. MK
After much review and consideration, SOE and Flying Lab Software have decided that Pirates of the Burning Sea will leave the SOE family of games on January 31, 2013. Portalus Games, a new company made up of former Flying Lab employees, is planning to re-launch the game on its own platform in the near future.
Portalus Games plans to continue operation of both the Roberts and Antigua servers upon the re-launch. If you wish to have access to your existing characters when Portalus relaunches the game, you will need to create a Portalus Games account and link your game data to that account before January 31, 2013 (details below). Please note that none of your SOE account data or personal information will be transferred in this process.
More information about Portalus Games, the new team, and upcoming plans for Pirates of the Burning Sea will be available on the Portalus Games website.
FAQ
When is the SOE version of the game ending?
Pirates of the Burning Sea will no longer be available through SOE’s platform after January 31, 2013.
Where can I find more information about Portalus Games?
More information about Portalus Games and the future of Pirates of the Burning Sea can be found at http://www.portalusgames.com/.
Will I be able to access my existing characters when Portalus Games relaunches the game?
Yes, as long as you link your game data to a Portalus Games account before January 31, 2013.
How do I link my game data to a Portalus Games account?
When you log into the game in January you will see a window containing a Migration Code. Use this code to register your account at http://www.portalusgames.com/potbs. You must log in and obtain your Migration Code before January 31, 2013.
Can I continue playing the game after I have obtained my Migration Code?
Yes, you can continue playing Pirates of the Burning Sea until January 31, 2013. Your progress will be saved and, if you link your game data to a Portalus account before January 31, 2013, your existing characters will be available when Portalus relaunches the game.
Will I still have access to my Burning Sea Points / Notes when Portalus Games relaunches the game?
If you link your game data to a Portalus Games account by January 31, 2013, you will have access to your existing Burning Sea Points and Burning Sea Notes when Portalus relaunches the game.
Will my User Content flags and sails be available after the transition?
If you link your game data to a Portalus Games account by January 31, 2013, you will have access to all of your User Content flags and sails when Portalus relaunches the game.
What happens to my SOE recurring membership?
All billing by SOE for Pirates of the Burning Sea will end on December 17, 2012. If you have a paid membership in good standing as of that date, your membership will end on January 31, 2013, when the game is shut down.
Nice to hear that they will re-launch the game. SOE was a bad Puplisher for PotBS & the last Updates were really buggy. Hope the new team will do better work..
