Breaking News: The Marvel Universe MMO is happening!

Live from an event in San Francisco, Marvel has officially released details concerning the highly anticipated Marvel Universe MMO.  While the game isn't due out until 2012 there were a few key announcements made tonight:

First, and probably most importantly, it will be Free-To-Play.  That's right, F2P.  But before you facepalm and roll your eyes, Marvel has said, "This is the first high quality, high production value F2P game like this."  Brian Bendis, speaking live on from Marvel.com in a post conference interview, has said that the game is using a new engine and new technology that will blow fans away.

The Marvel Universe MMO will feature the largest character lineup to date

At launch, the game will feature more characters then ever previously available in a Marvel title.  These characters range from the obvious: Thor, Captain America, Iron Man, Wolverine, and Spider-Man down to the questionable and strange: Squirrel Girl.  Fans will be ecstatic to know that Nova has also been announced as a playable character, with many more to be revealed throughout the year.

As of right now, the game is only being developed for PC.  Specifically, Marvel has said via Twitter that, "PC is the only platform we're announcing for the #MarvelU #MMO at this time."  I will choose to keep my fingers crossed for a console release.

The game will pull storylines from across Marvel material: Including 616 comic elements, as well as various games and animation.  There will also be additional story arcs exclusively written for the MMO.  Brian Michael Bendis is in charge of writing the story, which focuses on Doctor Doom's latest scheme for total domination. 

The Marvel MMO will allow players to choose Marvel characters and interact in a multiplayer environment to cooperatively complete events.  In addition, each character will have his own story events to complete which will give gamers the chance to craft their own continuity.

Locations have yet to be announced, but it is assumed NYC, the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier and Latveria will be available among others.  I'm personally hoping for Atlantis and Asgard to be in the game. 

Any updates announced within the next few days will be posted as they develop.  Keep it here for the latest Marvel Universe MMO news!