Sony Planning New MMO

August 9, 2007 - Sony Online Entertainment and Virgin Comics have teamed up to create a massively-multiplayer online videogame based on the comic book universe of Ramayan 3392 A.D.

The comic re-imagined the mythological Indian tale of Ramayana in a futuristic realm, and the game will feature characters based on the comic, Sony and Virgin said.

"Virgin Comics approached us with a portfolio of amazing comic properties based on Indian lore," said SOE president John Smedley. "We particularly love Ramayan 3392 A.D., as we feel Virgin Comics' telling of The Ramayana is particularly gripping, graphically brilliant and lends itself extremely well to an MMO.

The exclusive multi-year license will be developed and published by SOE with Virgin Comics acting as creative consultant.

"In a world increasingly dominated with games influenced by a western Tolkien mythos, Ramayan will offer gamers a chance to experience a whole new universe of characters and archetypes derived from one of the oldest cultures on Earth," said Sharad Devarajan, co-founder and CEO of Virgin Comics.

Sony said the game will be developed "initially" for the PC but did not disclose a timeframe for its release.