2K jumps into the MMO ring with Champions Online

by: Dan - posted: 7/10/2008 12:27:00 PM

2K Games announced today that they will be publishing Cryptic Studios MMO Champions Online. This is the first MMO that 2K has published, and it is due out in Spring 2009 for the Xbox 360 and Games for Windows. The release said that the game has not yet been "concept approved" by Microsoft, but it appears that it would be an Xbox 360 console exclusive if it does get developed.  I imagine Chuck and Sean can find out more info on this next week at E3.  Cryptic has previously created the City of Heroes and City of Villains titles. Check out all the details in the release:

Jul 10, 2008 11:00

2K Games to Publish Cryptic Studios' Upcoming MMO Champions Online(TM)

NEW YORK --(Business Wire)-- Jul. 10, 2008 2K Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), announced today that it will be the North American and international publisher for Cryptic Studios'(TM) highly anticipated massively multiplayer online (MMO) action game, Champions Online(TM), being developed for the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft* and Games for Windows(R). Champions Online is scheduled for release in spring of 2009.

"2K Games is excited to work with such a talented group as Cryptic Studios," said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. "Given their stellar pedigree and amazing grasp of the MMO genre, we are confident that Champions Online will deliver an innovative and exciting action MMO experience to gamers."

Cryptic Studios, based in Los Gatos, CA and established in July 2000, is one of the leading independent developers of massively multiplayer online games for Windows PC and current generation systems. As an independent, employee-owned company, Cryptic is committed to delivering high quality, innovative cross platform MMO gameplay. Cryptic is best known as the creator of the award-winning City of Heroes(R) and City of Villains(TM) MMO titles. Based on the popular Champions(TM) pen-and-paper RPG, Champions Online will give players the power of total customization for their hero experience while they explore a vast comic book universe.

"2K Games is a terrific publishing partner for Champions Online," said John Needham, CEO of Cryptic Studios. "Cryptic is proud that Champions Online will be 2K's first MMO title and we look forward to working together towards a tremendous launch next year."

Champions Online is not yet rated by the ESRB. For more information, log onto http://www.champions-online.com

*Champions Online for Xbox 360 is not yet concept approved by Microsoft