Sony acquires Matrix Online
And rights to DC Comics MMO.
Following earlier rumours of a deal between Sony Online Entertainment and Warner Bros., it's been confirmed that the EverQuest creator has taken MMO The Matrix Online off the hands of developer Monolith.
SOE has also signed a licensing agreement to develop a DC Comics MMO "for PC and next-generation consoles," starring the likes of Batman, Superman Wonder Woman and the Sandman.
"SOE will work closely with Warner Bros and DC Comics to maintain authenticity," promises SOE bigwig John Smedley.
"We will also take steps to continue the same high level of service that subscribers have come to expect from The Matrix Online game." Phew.
Rumour has it that only 26 members of Monolith's Matrix Online team are being kept on, with the rest facing up to a life on the dole. Or "welfare" as they say in America.
It's also been suggested that Monolith is now stepping away from MMOs all together, preferring to concentrate on single player games and multiplayer titles that aren't quite so massive.
No further details of the DC comics MMO have been revealed, other than the fact that it's scheduled for a release in winter - wait for it - 2007. Expect some screenshots some time in 2006.