Gala-Net (Rappelz, Space Cowboy Online), who makes its games available through the gPotato portal, has announced that its latest gPotato title, Upshift StrikeRacer, has entered open beta. According to Gala-Net, the beta will showcase 10 of the racing game's available customizable vehicles, with a total of 18 upcoming.

Upshift StrikeRacer will be free to pay (requiring a client download and installation), and Gala-Net says it'll feature social networking elements along with weapon-equipped, destructive multiplayer racing battles. Eight StrikeRacers can compete against one another at one time, in various different modes (time attack, player-versus-player, etc). Community tools will also be available -- Club web pages, for example, where users can upload music, photos, and blogs.

John Young, Gala-Net's vice president and producer, says the game can be enjoyed by "anyone with five minutes to kill," who enjoys combat racing. “The game’s unique mix of head-to-head racing and social networking in a multiplayer environment will appeal to both solo and group players looking for a quick and exhilarating gaming fix,” he exhorts.

Upshift StrikeRacer’s open beta period will run until the game officially launches in August.

Free-to-play online game publisher Gala-Net has announced the creation of three new executive positions. The move increases the responsibilities of key company executives Brian Nah, John Young and Terry Kim. The executive promotions adds executive vice president duties for CFO Brian Nah; vice president and producer John Young becomes senior vice president of business development; and producer Terry Kim becomes senior vice president and executive producer.

The company says that the reorganization of its executive team is part of its preparation to increase its visibility in the North American online game market. The publisher currently operates its online game suite, which includes Flyff, Rappelz, Upshift StrikeRacer, Corum Online, Space Cowboy Online and Shot Online out of the gPotato portal.

Gala-Net co-founder and CEO Jikhan Jung said, “With our diverse game portfolio, great consumer value proposition and extensive community, Gala-Net has developed a reputation for being one of the leading publishers in online games. These three outstanding executives bring unsurpassed expertise in their respective fields to Gala-Net, and they will help us continue our efforts to provide Western gamers with the best online interactive entertainment experiences possible."

Sunnyvale-based Gala, Inc. subsidiary Gala-Net has announced a partnership with Target to offer its gPotato Game Cards exclusively through the retail chain. The prepaid game cards allow users to purchase in-game items and accessories for games hosted on gPotato, Gala-Net's online portal.

Users with the gPotato Game Cards will be able to log into and buy goods from any of the portal's titles, including Flyff, Rappelz, Corum Online, Shot Online, and Upshift StrikeRacer. The cards will be available at Target locations in denominations of $15 and $30, displayed in the stores' Entertainment sections.

Said Gala-Net CEO Jikhan Jung: “Offering these Game Cards at Target is very important for an MMO publisher because we want to be able to reach a broader market. Teens are the biggest fans of our online games, but since they are too young to have a credit card to purchase gPotatoes, these prepaid cards will be the most convenient option to purchase our premium items. Our denominations are ideal! They are perfect for our gamers who are on a budget.”