The game is set to debut this June as a downloadable title on PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade, according to the April issue of print magazine Electronic Gaming Monthly. Though EGM is notorious for its April Fools pranks, the magazine was adamant that Plunder is no joke--that distinction belongs to LEGO Halo.

"I'm pretty sure the impetus behind [a game about pirates] and sailing ships came from thinking about Pimps at Sea," admitted Certain Affinity founder and Bungie alumni Max Hoberman. "But not a lot more than that."

Tasking players with the seemingly simple goal of capturing towns, the game will require players to carefully manage their resources and set traps. In addition to online multiplayer and a Halo 2-esque party system, the seafaring RTS will include support four-player split-screen play, as well as the ability to edit and share maps.

Though most entries in the RTS genre are rather complex, the studio noted its intent to create a title accessible to everyone.

Certain Affinity developed the Halo 2 Blastacular Map Pack and is currenly porting Valve's Left 4 Dead to Xbox 360. Plunder represents the studio's first original work.