Gazillion Entertainment has announced it is to make the previous Cryptic Studios title, Marvel Universe, after signing a ten year deal with Marvel.
Developer NetDevil will be making the new MMO, which is also responsible for the upcoming Lego Universe, Jumpgate Evolution and another unannounced MMO. Marvel Universe will be made for the PC and consoles, much like the original game which was to be made by Cryptic.
Microsoft, the original publisher of Marvel Universe, called a halt to Cryptic’s development of the game in February 2008 after a long line of similar game cancellations. It gave the inability to compete within the MMO market as the reason for the closure. Shortly afterwards, Cryptic began work on Champions Online, which allows players to create super hero characters and complete missions, socialise with other players and fight their arch nemesis. Champions Online is due to be released on 2 June this year.
Gazillion will be publishing other games based on the Marvel franchise, including a browser based MMO called Super Hero Squad, being developed by Amazing Society. The game will be out next year and will accompany the new television show of the same name that will feature on the Cartoon Network this Autumn. The game will be aimed at the younger audience and will feature many well-known super heroes including Wolverine, Iron Man and the Fantastic Four.
