Sony licenses DC Comics, Matrix for online games

by Scarlet Pruitt

June 17, 2005 —

Sony Online Entertainment Inc. (SOE) is looking to expand its online game portfolio by tapping into Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment Inc.'s DC Comics and Matrix movie properties.

SOE said Friday that it has entered exclusive long-term licensing agreements with Warner Bros. to develop a DC Comics massively multiplayer online game for PCs and next generation gaming consoles. In addition, SOE has acquired The Matrix Online game.

After having developed and launched The Matrix Online, Warner Bros. said that it is now ready to hand the game to SOE to take into the massively multiplayer space.

SOE will also be working to bring DC Comics properties, and characters such as Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, into the multiplayer gaming world through a collaboration with game developer and licensor WBIE.

SOE, based in San Diego, California, already has a wide range of online game titles such as "EverQuest" and "Champions of Norrath." Through its deal with Warner Bros., the company said it will be able to tap into a number of iconic brands.

Terms of the agreements were not disclosed.

IDG News Service