Take-Two are to take the massively multiplayer plunge as they sign a publishing deal with City of Heroes/Villains developer Cryptic Studios, on their latest project.

Champions Online is their next superhero MMO that's said to have learnt a lot from their previous spandex suited creation. It's coming to PC and Xbox360, if Microsoft says yes.

"2K Games is a terrific publishing partner for Champions Online," said John Needham, CEO of Cryptic Studios. "Cryptic is proud that Champions Online will be 2K’s first MMO title and we look forward to working together towards a tremendous launch next year."

The game is scheduled for a spring 2009 release and is certainly an upbeat move from Take-Two, who has had EA's crosshairs on their back for some time now.

"2K Games is excited to work with such a talented group as Cryptic Studios," said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. "Given their stellar pedigree and amazing grasp of the MMO genre, we are confident that Champions Online will deliver an innovative and exciting action MMO experience to gamers."

Click here to visit the official Champions Online website.



Source: Kotaku