Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) is taking a new approach to the traditional MMO with their action based game, DC Universe Online. Set in the world made popular by DC Comics, this game operates on a real time action system, not dice rolls. SOE is bringing shooter and action features to an MMO genre that lacks this type of game, without losing the roots of what makes the company one of the largest MMO developers and publishers in the industry. Comic-Con's exhibit hall hosted the first ever public playable version of the game so far, and for an early Alpha version, it looks impressive. Metropolis was shown in all its glory, and several different character types were available for people to play.

There is of course a lot that can't be talked about or may change drastically before release, but what I saw with Associate Producer Fannie Gunton excited me for the future of this breakthrough game. You'll hear the term "physics game" thrown around a lot during the ongoing development cycle. This means that items in game such as cars, buses, and even other players, can be used dynamically, allowing you and others to use them freely. Not to mention powers that create objects to interact with (energy balls, ice blocks, etc.,) The best example given is turning an NPC enemy or opposing player into an ice cube with your super powers, then lifting and throwing them.

I had a hard time understanding why that would be desirable or cool at all, until I actually did it. After trying it one time carrying around buses and slamming them into things became the love of my life, instantly!

We've taken some video from Preview Night here at Comic-Con, and while it's not spectacular, it's still pretty awesome!

We have a few seconds from the Stargate Worlds trailer, and some never before seen DC Universe Online video!!

More to come as we continue coverage from Comic-Con here in beautiful San Diego, California.

Sure, we all knew about DC Online Universe , so this really comes as no surprise. But it's official now! The game was official unveiled today, hightening expectations and anticipation.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - July 22, 2008 - Virtual super heroes and villains, it's time to unite online! Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) plans to reveal exciting new details of the online action game DC UniverseTM Online (DCUO) at this year's Comic-Con International to be held in San Diego from July 24-27. SOE's plans include a first-ever public demonstration showcasing how DCUO will redefine online action gaming on the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and the PC.

DCUO is being developed by the SOE Austin studio team in collaboration with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Comics' top talent led by Executive Creative Director Jim Lee, SOE's VP of Development John Blakely and SOE's Austin Studio Creative Director Chris Cao.

USA Today published an interview with Comic Book artist Jim Lee today.  Mr. Lee is the artist overseeing the DC Universe Online MMO!

Q: How will DC Universe Online differ from other MMOs?
A: To me, a lot of MMOs are fairly, I wouldn't say static, but it's the kind of thing where you start, push "attack," and get a cup of coffee, come back and say, "I won." (In DC Universe), you are constantly moving and actually doing a lot more dogfight-type battles, running along on the ground and flying and going around buildings and blasting people. It's chaotic, but it's organized and it's very, very dynamic. To me, that is kind of how superheroes fight. It's not like they stand there and trade blows. The cities are their playgrounds, and they demolish them.

Q: What can you say about the artistic style of the game?
A: I actually spend a lot of time on the faces. As a gamer, I like to go up and look at people's faces and see how good of a job they did. For me, it does feel more alive because the video games have sound and movement. ... To me, I'm not trying to get Superman to look like he is the guy who lives next door. To me, he should still look iconic and bold, and that's what we do best.

Not only is Jim Lee a talented artist and an incredible fan, he's an MMO gamer!  Good to know this game is in such good hands!

DC Universe Online has released the first video showing what we can expect from this super hero filled game!

Sony Online Entertainment LLC today unleashed the first video footage of the upcoming action game DC Universe Online, which is being developed by SOE-Austin for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and the PC.

The video offers a first glimpse into DCUO's exciting features, including a super heroes and villains such as Batman and the Joker, a physics combat system that turns the world into your weapon, and a distinctive art style from legendary comic book artist Jim Lee, who serves as the project's executive creative director.DCUO will let gamers step into the fabled DC Universe, create their own custom super hero or villain and wield amazing super powers in the name of good or evil.