14 DAY TRIAL // DC Universe Online has shown that superhero-based MMO titles can be successful with the video game loving public and now Marvel, the other comic book juggernaut, is keen to get a piece of that action with its upcoming Gazillion-developed Marvel Universe.
But the comic book company is not interested in a one-time hit and has a long-term strategy that will see it become a major player in the video game world, aiming to be associated with high-quality experiences that manage to use its important characters.
TQ Jefferson, who is the vice president at Marvel who is in charge of the video games production division, has told Gamasutra, as part of a bigger interview, that the upcoming Marvel Universe is very important for the company.
“This is the core gamers' MMO. This has a lot of eyes on it. Like I said before, Joe Quesada is working on this. Axel Alonso is working on it. Tom Brevoort is working on it. Dan Buckley is involved in it. Brian Bendis obviously is involved in it,” he stated.
He added, “We're trying to give Gazillion all of our tools and resources to make a great game, but that's something that we do for all of our projects.”
He also quoted other important Marvel talents, like writers Matt Fraction and Chris Gage, who are working with other companies to develop successful franchises based on Thor, that recently received a live action movie entry, and on Captain America, another character that is also set to star in his own movie.
Marvel Universe is significant because developer Gazillion has announced that it will use a free-to-play model for the game, allowing most players to enjoy sections of it for free, with just those who want something extra paying via micro transactions.
The MMO is also set to allow gamers to actually become the most important Marvel superheroes, although it's not known how the game will justify it.