Sigil Games Online Announces that Sony Online Entertainment has signed a tentative agreement to be co-publisher for Vanguard: Saga of Heroes, Sigil's upcoming fantasy MMORPG (thanks Frans). The game was previously to be solely published by Microsoft Game Studios, but the change represents a homecoming for Brad McQuaid and Jeff Butler, as they helped develop the original EverQuest. Here is word on the agreement, which, again, is described as tentative:

“As the development process is ongoing and constantly shifting, it became clear that MGS and Sigil had varying visions and direction for the title’s development,” said Brad McQuaid, CEO of Sigil Games Online. “In the best interest of Vanguard, it was decided that we would buy back the publishing rights from Microsoft.”

As co-publisher of Vanguard: Saga of Heroes, Sigil assumes greater control of marketing and PR, while maintaining responsibility for game development, community relations, media relations, customer support, and quality assurance. Under the terms of the agreement, SOE will provide distribution, marketing, hosting and back-end support -- including billing and technical support -- for the game. Additionally, SOE is tentatively planning on adding Vanguard, upon its release,to SOE’s Station Access™ subscription plan. Station Access allows players to enjoy all of SOE’s MMO titles for one low monthly price.