Sony Online Entertainment's upcoming superhero MMO based on the DC comics franchise, DC Universe Online (PC, PS3), won't hit our hands until sometime around early 2010, according to the game's lead writer.

"It launches I think in early 2010, it could be late 2009," said comics writer Geoff Johns to MTV.

Johns--whose writing resume includes stints on such comics as Justice Society of America, Green Lantern, 52, The Flash and Action Comics--has scripted the overall story and universe of Universe, and says the game will delve deep into the DC archives.

"Everyone knows Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, but this game gets you more entrenched in the universe," said Johns. "You meet the Metal Men, or Doom Patrol, and everyone gets a chance to embody something different."

Sony Online Entertainment president John Smedley has confirmed his company's commitment to console MMOs, stating that all future SOE MMO titles will see console releases.

"I would say that we would be one of the early adopters on [bringing MMOs to consoles], and we plan on becoming one of the dominant players in the MMO space on consoles," said Smedley to MTV. "We see that marketing coming; we think it's there now, so we want to get a good market share there."

SOE's upcoming MMOs The Agency and DC Universe Online will both see simultaneous release on PlayStation 3 and PC.

"I think what's going to happen is you're going to see a whole new generation of players that have been playing 'Resistance' now start getting introduced to MMOs," added Smedley. "I think it's going to be a cool way for them to experience games that have been on the PC for a while, but have a totally different kind of gameplay on the console."

Sony Online Entertainment has issued a new set of screenshots from DC Universe Online (PC, PS3), showing a variety of characters from this upcoming comic-book MMORPG. SOE also announced that Geoff Johns, writer on DC Comics properties such as Green Lantern, Action Comics and Justice Society of America, will script the game's back story.

Publisher Sony Online Entertainment has released a new making-of video for DC Universe Online (PC, PS3), offering insight into the comic-based MMO's ongoing development at SOE's Austin studio.

No release date has yet been announced, though SOE recently told Shacknews that it will be relying on player feedback to determine when the title is ready to debut.

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Following up on the initial batch of postage stamp-sized media, developer Sony Online Entertainment has issued 17 full-sized screenshots from the DC Universe MMO.

Allowing players to fight alongside, but not control, major DC characters like Superman, Batman, and Green Lantern, DC Universe Online is slated to arrive on PC and PS3.

The title will make its playable debut at this week's San Diego Comic Con, with SOE recently telling Shacknews that it will be relying upon player feedback to decide when the action-based MMO is ready for release.

After three years of development, Sony Computer Entertainment today showed the first trailer and in-game footage of its upcoming PS3 MMO DC Universe Online.

"Imagine being able to create your own superhero or villain in the DC Universe," explained executive creative director, Jim Lee.

"Imagine being a villain and helping all the inmates at Arkham Asylum escape and attack the Batcave....You can stop imagining now."

Instead of allowing players to control iconic characters such as Superman and Batman, DC Universe Online will let players create their own characters and battle alongside well-known hereoes and villains. Shackvideo users can use the HD Stream.

A batch of five tiny screenshots, concept art and a teaser trailer from Sony Online Entertainment Austin's DC Universe Online have been revealed, offering a first look at the PC and PlayStation 3 comic MMO.

The media appeared on the recently opened DC Universe Online MySpace page. No release date for the game has yet been announced, though more details are expected at this year's Comic-Con, taking place in San Diego later this month.

For more on DC Universe Online, check out our previous coverage.

Gaming magazine Edge has new details on Sony Online Entertainment Austin's upcoming comic MMO DC Universe Online (PC, PS3), as reported by Eurogamer.

According to the preview, DC Universe Online allows users to create their own superhero or villain and select superpowers for their characters, similar to Cryptic Studios' City of Heroes and its upcoming Champions Online.

Though the game doesn't allow players to take up the role of any famous DC Comics characters, they do appear in the game. Some examples posited by the preview include aiding Superman in a fight against villain Lex Luthor, or causing chaos in downtown Metropolis to draw the attention of famous superhero NPCs.

Described by creative director Jim Lee as a "kick-ass hybrid between a traditional MMO and a first-person action console game," DC Universe Online includes... Read more