Cryptic, Microsoft, and Marvel announce 'Marvel Universe Online'

The Safehouse Network News

By Ruccus

Wed, 27 Sep 2006, 14:31:00

As per the press release on Cryptic Studio's website:

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.

You can read the full press release here, though I'll post the FAQ Cryptic posted under the press release in order to clarify what this means for their current MMOG, City of Heroes/City of Villains:

FAQ

Are you taking resources away from CoH/CoV?

Cryptic has a team of programmers, artists, designers, and producers dedicated solely to creating and maintaining both products. The studio will continue to update both titles with new content, including a multi-year storyline, a new gameplay system that allows characters to craft Enhancements and Costume pieces, brand new missions, and much, much more.

How many people at Cryptic will be devoted to the CoH/CoV team?

Our current team is as large as the one who developed City of Heroes. The team is, and will remain, separate from the team working on the Marvel MMO with Microsoft.

What’s the future for City of Heroes/Villains?

We are absolutely committed to our loyal fans of City of Heroes and City of Villains. We are dedicating our own resources to keep both games exciting and fresh for our players for years to come. As a company, we’re thrilled at the prospects of the City franchise. It shows no signs of going away! We have plans to continue its growth for years to come.

Is the new Marvel title going to replace CoH/CoV?

No! The comic book hero is its own genre, capable of supporting multiple titles, just like fantasy. Currently there are numerous successful fantasy massively online games in the market, and we are confident that the market can support more than one game based on the pages of comic books.

Do you think there’s room for two super hero MMORPG’s?

The MMO market has proven to be more expansive and mainstream than ever. There is definitely room in the market for both titles. It’s like saying Half-Life would kill Quake, or Halo kill Unreal.

What will differentiate the Marvel game and CoH/CoV?

We haven’t announced details on the Marvel title, but it will be a very different game in terms of gameplay and visuals from the “City of” games. The storylines and the challenges characters will face from them will be very different. The Marvel game is focused on, well, the Marvel Universe. As comic book and movie fans already know, Marvel has its own unique style that sets it apart from the other comic book publishers. Our goal is to distil the Marvel experience and put that into the game. We’re also developing the Marvel game as a title for Windows Vista and the Xbox 360 – which presents us with a set of new hurdles in technology and design. We’re starting off at a completely different point than we did with City of Heroes.

Are you planning to exclusively make comic book hero games?

No – this particular partnership was something rather unique. We are, however, a company dedicated to making great MMORPG’s.

Why are you working with Marvel after they sued you two years ago?

Marvel holds the best intellectual properties, and we’re the best developer of MMO games. It’s a match made in heaven. At the end of the day, when two creative organizations are passionate about their visions sometimes sparks fly. The suit with Marvel was settled amicably long ago, and we’re excited about working together.

Why not work with NC Soft?

NC Soft and Cryptic continue to have a great relationship; we are jointly supporting and growing City of Heroes and City of Villains. Because Cryptic is an independent developer, we’re always looking for good projects with strong publishers that will bring our great gameplay to our customers.