Marvel MMO

[neighbortaru]

In the tradition of DC MMO, I present to you the Marvel MMOG:
http://crypticstudios.com/news.php

September 27, 2006
MICROSOFT GAME STUDIOS, MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT AND CRYPTIC STUDIOS UNVEIL "MARVEL UNIVERSE ONLINE"

Video game luminaries join forces to bring Marvel’s iconic universe of Super Heroes exclusively to Windows Vista and Xbox 360 platforms.

Today at X06, Xbox’s annual official industry event in Barcelona, Spain, Microsoft Game Studios announced further details around its eagerly awaited project based on the Marvel universe of Super Heroes. Microsoft and Marvel Entertainment confirmed that Cryptic Studios has been named the developer of “Marvel Universe Online,” the highly anticipated massively multiplayer online (MMO) video game exclusive to Xbox 360 and Windows Vista.

“The vision behind the alliance of Microsoft Game Studios, Cryptic Studios and Marvel is to expand the MMO genre and create an epic gaming experience exclusively for Xbox 360 and Windows Vista gamers to experience together online,” said Frank Pape, senior director of business development, Microsoft Game Studios. “Cryptic Studios is widely respected for their established track record of innovation and understanding of the MMO space, and they are a perfect fit for the creation of the best possible experience in ‘Marvel Universe Online.’”

"As an independent developer, Cryptic Studios has the freedom to make games and forge partnerships that we are truly passionate about," said Michael Lewis, president of Cryptic Studios. "Cryptic Studios and Microsoft share a common vision for online gaming and commitment to quality titles. Together we will create a new exciting game that captures the uniqueness of the Marvel IP."

David Maisel, executive vice president, Marvel Entertainment added, “The huge Marvel fan base has been eagerly awaiting new information on our massive multiplayer online game. We are proud to have a premiere developer such as Cryptic Studios who has had such incredible success in the online gaming world developing this game. Marvel, Microsoft and Cryptic are committed to creating the definitive interactive Marvel universe experience via this massive multiplayer online game.”

Cryptic Studios is known as the developer of the renowned MMO titles “City of Heroes®” and “City of Villians™,” and bring a history of excellence in MMO design and best-of-breed community support to the development of “Marvel Universe Online.” “Marvel Universe Online” will unite gamers in a cross-platform experience, allowing for Xbox 360 and Windows Vista users to play alongside one another. Marvel’s repertoire of Super Heroes have evolved from the pages of comic books to become driving forces in entertainment, from the silver screen to television shows and best-selling video games, including “Spider-Man,” “X-Men” and “The Hulk” franchises. As part of an MMO gaming experience, “Marvel Universe Online” players will be able to interact simultaneously in a truly unique atmosphere featuring all their favorite Marvel characters, creatures and villains.
...

Ok, color me interested.
not so happy about the Vista onry thing though.

[Raydeus]

Re: Marvel MMO

I choose the Blue pill on this one, Mr. Neighbortarupheus.

[Malevolent]

Re: Marvel MMO

this game has already been done...COH and COV....but with a microsoft brand on it i bet it will sell like hot cakes....

[Icemage]

Re: Marvel MMO

Marvel has been talking about an MMO for well over a year. I'm surprised that Cryptic is developing it, though - while they do have extensive experience via CoH/CoV, their interpretation of "super-ness" in CoH/CoV is vastly different than Marvel's.

Also note that DC Comics is also supposedly working on an MMO of their own, so the online gamespace for superheroism may become very crowded.

I'm not really interested at this point. A Marvel or DC MMO suffers from many of the same design problems that Star Wars Galaxies faced; i.e. how do you make epic-style continuous content without breaking game balance? SWG failed to answer that question. CoH/CoV just sidesteps the question for the most part, since most of the content isn't really epic in nature (and is one of the primary complaints about the game from comic fanatics).

I don't see either Marvel or DC coming up with a satisfying solution to these questions, and without that, it's going to be very hard to please their potential fanbase and make a good game.


Icemage