This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
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 multiplayer online virtual world set to launch in late 2011.
Planet Michael will reportedly "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," a press release says.
More from the release:
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. For game updates and to register to become a part of Planet Michael, visit: http://www.planetmichael.com
Haven't we all wanted to live in Michael's world?
Actually, I just realized that my answer is "No."
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