Marvelites beware! Your head just might explode upon hearing the news about the hugely anticipated massively multiplayer online (MMO) that will put you right in the heart of the Marvel Universe! Vice President of Marvel Interactive, Ames Kirshen, had this to say about the mind-blowing project:

"We are thrilled to finally be able to share the news that Cryptic Studios is the developer on the Marvel Universe Massively Multiplayer Online game. The trio of Marvel, Microsoft and Cryptic is truly a dream team combination and we are committed to delivering a ground breaking interactive experience drawing from Marvel's vast and diverse Universe of characters, locations, and timeless fiction that we believe will redefine the MMO space."

And now, take a look at the official press release from Marvel, Microsoft Game Studios, and Cryptic Studios:

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.

About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is a leading global character-based entertainment company that has developed and owns a library of more than 5,000 characters, which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel's operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel Studios supports the development of feature films, DVD/video products and TV series. Marvel's creative team also supports the creation of video games and toy lines based on its characters as well as for a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, foods and promotions. Marvel's comic book division is a leading publisher in the global marketplace while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. Marvel's Toy Biz division is a recognized creative force and leader in toy design, sales and marketing, developing and overseeing both licensee and in-house toy lines. For additional information, visit http://www.marvel.com.

About Cryptic Studios
Cryptic Studios™, Inc., located in Los Gatos, California, was established in July of 2000 and is an independent employee-owned developer of massively multiplayer online games for the PC and next generation consoles. Cryptic's first game, "City of Heroes®," launched in April 2004 to popular acclaim, garnering the top accolades in the industry, from Best of Show at E3 to multiple Game of the Year awards. The game takes place in a virtual world where thousands of people play simultaneously, take on the role of super-powered heroes, fight villains and help create a dynamic story in a visually-stunning, 3-D graphical world.

About Microsoft Game Studios
Microsoft Game Studios is a leading worldwide publisher and developer of games for the Xbox® and Xbox 360™ video game systems, the Windows® operating system and online platforms. Comprising a network of top developers, Microsoft Game Studios is committed to creating innovative and diverse games for Windows (http://www.microsoft.com/games), including such franchises as "Age of Empires®," "Flight Simulator" and "Zoo Tycoon®;" Xbox and Xbox 360 (http://www.xbox.com), including such games as the upcoming "Gears of War" and franchises such as "Halo®," "Fable®," "Project Gotham Racing®" and "Forza Motorsport™"; and MSN® Games (http://www.games.msn.com), the official games channel for the MSN network and home to such hits as "Bejeweled" and "Hexic®."


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Marvel, Spider-Man, X-Men, The Hulk, and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel Characters, Inc., and are used with permission. Copyright © 2006 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved. www.marvel.com Super Hero(es) is a co-owned registered trademark.