It seems there may be a race between Square Enix and Sony Online Entertainment to put out the first MMO on the PlayStation 3 now that DC Universe Online has slipped from its original release date to early 2011.
SOE president John Smedley explains in a press release that the delay is to give extra time for developers to address community feedback. Even though the game is delayed, some of you may be able to test it out as external beta will start soon. If you have a VIP access code and are registered to the DC Universe website, you will soon receive beta invites. If you live in North America and you preorder the game prior to Nov. 15, you will get into the beta before Nov. 30. Finally, if you preorder after Nov. 15, you’ll have to wait until one week before the game launches to hit up beta.
PlayStation 3 owners can purchase the $100 USD collector’s edition which includes a DC Universe Online art book, DCUO Prestige comic presentation giving the back story, a limited edition Jim Lee poster, the DCUO Legends Issue #0 comic, and the Batman statue. The collector’s edition is only available in North America.
Square Enix’s MMO, FFXIV, is slated to release on PS3 in March 2011. Of course, some may say M.A.G. was the real first MMO on the PS3. After all, 256 players at once is a pretty big accomplishment for Sony. We are still waiting to hear more about Free Realms on the PS3.