DC Universe Online developers making Marvel MMO
A new Marvel MMO is coming from Daybreak Game Company’s Dimensional Ink, the team known for running DC Universe Online (DCUO). Streamer @mmmmmmmmiller broke the story on Twitter, pointing out that parent company Enad Global 7’s Q3 2021 financial report has the developers working on an untitled “Marvel IP based massively multiplayer online game.”
Jack Emmert, the DCUO lead and co-founder of City of Heroes developer Cryptic Studios, is at the helm. This mystery MMO is classified as “longer-term,” so we’re unlikely to see it in the near future, but who knows how far in development the game is. Considering the sheer scale of the brand and the fact that it’s an MMO, we’ll be waiting a while.
Both Daybreak and Emmert’s Cryptic have a history with the comic book IP. There were hints that this project was resurfacing earlier this year; one of the names that emerged from the Nvidia GeForce Now leak fiasco was an “Untitled Marvel Game 2020” by Daybreak. (Read: Nvidia leak hints at Final Fantasy IX Remake, Final Fantasy Tactics and Chrono Cross remasters)
It had previously been reported that the company was developing a Marvel MMO, but the project was shelved in 2018 after layoffs. Cryptic’s Champions Online emerged in part from the ashes of Marvel Universe Online, which was canceled by Microsoft in 2008. Another studio, Gazillion Entertainment, ended up taking the mantle and released Marvel Heroes in 2013.
A rocky narrative, to be sure. Time will tell whether Emmert and Dimensional Ink succeed, but hopefully, the adage rings true: third time’s the charm.
There’s been a boom in Marvel-related games in recent years. We’ve got recent releases like Guardians of the Galaxy, and Spider-Man: Miles Morales, and promising games in development like the upcoming tactical RPG Midnight Suns. Even more intriguing are the rumors, such as a new fighting game by NetherRealm Studios (Injustice, Mortal Kombat) that saw its roster leak earlier this year, or that they might bring back Marvel vs. Capcom 2. Personally, I hope someone remasters The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction. (Read: Disney, Capcom reportedly in talks to re-release Marvel vs. Capcom 2)
In the meantime, if you’re itching for an active multiplayer experience under the brand, you’ve got Future Revolution and Super War. One’s an action RPG and the other’s a MOBA, and they’re the closest we’ve got to an official Marvel MMO for the time being.
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