SOE To Create DC Comics MMORPG News

Sony Online Entertainment and Warner Bros. have today announced a collaborative deal to create an MMORPG based on the DC Comics universe, which includes such luminary superheroes as Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. The game, which is being developed for PC and next-generation consoles is pencilled in for a fourth quarter 2007 release. As well as producing the DC MMO, part of the deal includes the acquisition of Warner Bros.â?? The Matrix Online by SOE. The game had been published by SEGA last year, and has been continuing the storyline of the Matrix Trilogy, which has seen vampires take control of the Megacity as well as the death of Morpheus.

Announcing the deal, John Smedley, President, Sony Online Entertainment said, "By working with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment we will fuse the knowledge SOE has in the online space with some of Warner Bros.' phenomenal propertiesâ?¦SOE will work closely with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Comics to maintain the authenticity consumers demand from the DC Comics franchises. We will also take steps to continue the same high level of service that subscribers have come to expect from The Matrix Online game."

"Our goal is to deliver quality content and consistently advance our key properties within the online games space," said Jason Hall, Senior Vice President of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. "We've done just that with The Matrix Online. Because of our compelling work in developing and launching that game we can now move it over to the leaders in the MMO space, SOE. We look forward to working with SOE to enhance our overall services to massively multiplayer online gamers for The Matrix Online and a new DC Comics game."

"Expanding our fans' ability to participate in the DC universe through a great online game is a terrific step forward for DC Comics," said Paul Levitz, President & Publisher of DC Comics. "We look forward to working with our colleagues at Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and the talented folks at SOE."

When the MMORPG is finally launched in 18 months time, it is sure to prove an irresistible purchase for many comic book/videogames fans, especially if the game includes many of the key cities and areas from the DC universe such as Metropolis and Gotham city. Whether gamers play as DC characters or whether they create their own superhero (a la City of Heroes) is yet to be announced. Weâ??ll have more shortly...