Michael Jackson planet coming to Entropia Universe
We're having a very real panic attack right now. It started when we read the press release posted after the jump, which announces that Entropia Universe, an MMO with a real-world economy and not much else, would play host to "Planet Michael" in late 2011. In this upcoming Michael Jackson-themed world -- not to be confused with the Micahel Jackson experience -- fans of Michael Jackson can congregate and talk about how much they love Michael Jackson. We're not sure what else one does on Planet Michael, but it will seemingly cost real money, and we're sure there will be people who spend money to do it -- hence the panic attack.
Here's an idea! How about the Michael Jackson fans of the world just use the comment section of this post as a forum to discuss their love of Michael Jackson's music and cinematic works? We certainly won't charge you anything, nor will we creepily approach you for digital sex! Here, we'll start things off: "Man in the Mirror" is the greatest song ever written by humans, and "Dirty Diana" isn't far behind. Discuss.
Show full PR text
SEE VIRTUAL WORLDS TEAMS WITH THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL JACKSON TO PUBLISH ONLINE VIRTUAL WORLD, PLANET MICHAEL
Immense Game World to be Themed Around This Planet's Biggest Star; Will Feature Real-World Economy Along With Opportunities to Learn About and Contribute to Charitable Causes
LOS ANGELES - Sept. 21, 2010 - SEE Virtual Worlds, an entertainment company developing a virtual reality universe of connected planets tied to licensed franchises, today announced a collaborative deal with the Michael Jackson Estate to publish Planet Michael, a massively multiplayer online virtual world set to launch in late 2011. Planet Michael will offer fans around the globe an innovative, first-of-its-kind interactive gaming and social experience that truly celebrates Michael Jackson's extraordinary life as an artist and humanitarian.
The new planet, currently under development and slated for launch next year, will be an immersive virtual space themed after iconic visuals drawn from Michael's music, his life and the global issues that concerned him. Entire continents will be created that will celebrate Michael's unique genius in a way that underscores his place as the greatest artist of all time. Michael's longtime fans will feel at home as they find themselves in places that seem familiar and yet unknown at the same time, and new generations will discover and experience Michael's life in a way never before imagined. At its core, Planet Michael is a massive social gaming experience that will allow everyone, from the hardcore fan to the novice, to connect and engage in collaborative in-game activities with people worldwide.
Planet Michael is one of the first themed-planets that will be published by SEE Virtual Worlds for the Entropia Universe, a vast dynamic 3D environment created and provided to end users by MindArk PE AB. The Entropia Universe features several existing planets and combines a revolutionary cash economy with cutting-edge graphics. Although Planet Michael is a free-to-download world without monthly subscription fees, the real world in-game economy features gameplay monetization that allows players to take on dozens of different occupations and in certain instances, contribute to a charitable cause at the same time.
"When we first approached the Estate and talked about creating Planet Michael, one of our primary goals wasto build an interactive environment where fans from all over the world come together to affirm Michael's life-long dedication to fostering global friendships," said Martin Biallas, CEO of SEE Virtual Worlds. "In building a space worthy of those global connections, we envisioned a magical, enjoyable place that will capture that zest for fun and life that was at Michael's very core. Throughout his extensive career, the King of Pop was well-known for his visionary contributions to music, dance, fashion, entertainment and philanthropy, and it was critical that we somehow incorporate all of those elements into the game."
"No artist unified the world like Michael Jackson, so it is fitting that in Planet Michael his fans will be able to join together in such a unique way online to celebrate his music, his artistry and his devotion to helping those in need," said John Branca, co-executor for The Estate of Michael Jackson. "Michael was always exploring creative new ways technology could enhance the experiences of his fans, and for that reason we are thrilled to be working with SEE Virtual Worlds to build a global interactive experience that befits an artist as innovative as Michael Jackson," added John McClain, co-executor of the Estate.
