Not even the combined powers of all of DC's super heroes could keep Sony Online Entertainment's DC Universe Online from being pushed back to early 2011, but new beta testing details cast light to the game's blackest night.
A fall release for DC Universe seemed like the sort of unlikely scenario you'd only find in comic books, but fans had hope. Now Sony Online Entertainment dashes those hopes, pushing back the eagerly anticipated MMO until early 2011. SOE president John Smedley says the delay will give developers extra time to "address community feedback in a meaningful way."
He also says this is the first MMO on the PlayStation 3, but if they delay it too far into 2011, Final Fantasy XIV will secure that title in March. Smedley says information on the new launch date will come as the game gets deeper into external beta.
Speaking of external beta, there is good news for hopeful players. Along with the delay, SOE reveals that players with VIP access codes and those registered with the DCUO website should begin receiving beta invites as early as next week. North American fans who preorder the game by November 15 are guaranteed beta access by November 30. Anyone who preorders after November 15 will gain beta access a week prior to launch.
All beta participants will be able to take part in the Battle of the Legends end of beta event, securing them a special emblem available in-game once DCUO launches.
Those wishing to secure a chance at beta access without preordering have until tonight at 11:59PM Pacific to register at the DC Universe Online website.
In other good news, PlayStation 3 owners will get a collector's edition similar to the one revealed for PC earlier this year, complete with the DCUO Batman statue, the limited edition Art of DC Universe Online art book, the DCUO Legends Issue #0 comic book with a Jim Lee variant cover, the DCUO Prestige comic presentation of the DCUO back-story and the limited edition Jim Lee-drawn poster Version of the Issue #0 comic book variant cover.
Fans can use the extra time to drum up the $100 that collector's edition will cost.
So, show of hands - who is disappointed?