Marvel Entertainment and Cryptic Studios Unveil 'Marvel Universe Online' announces development of a Marvel Comics themed MMORPG, though the developer turns out to be superhero MMORPG veterans Cryptic Studios, once target of a Marvel Lawsuit over City of Heroes (story), rather than Sigil as 1Up once speculated (story). The game doesn't yet carry a release date, but it will appear for both Windows Vista and Xbox 360 and support cross-platform play (as 1Up also speculated):

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today Marvel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: MVL - News) announced further details around its eagerly awaited project based on the Marvel universe of Super Heroes. 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 and to be published by Microsoft Game Studios.

"The huge Marvel fan base has been eagerly awaiting new information on our massive multiplayer online game," said David Maisel, Executive Vice President, Office of the Chief Executive, Marvel Entertainment. 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."

"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 Shane Kim, corporate vice president of 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.'"

Cryptic Studios brings 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.