Marvel Universe Online (the heavily anticipated MMO based on the Marvel comic book universe) is officially dead, according to Shane Kim, the Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Game Studios.
According to Kim, the title was canceled due to commercial considerations and a general feeling that Microsoft and MMO developer Cryptic simply couldn't compete in the subscription-based MMO market.
Kim told MTV's Stephen Totilo in an interview at the recent DICE show: "There's basically one that's successful and everything else wouldn't meet our level or definition of commercial success. And then you have to look [and say]: 'Can we change the business model for that?'"
Presumably Kim's comments refer to the success of World of Warcraft.
While Kim acknowledges the emergence of alternate MMO business models and says they were considered, the firm still felt that the title wouldn't be lucrative enough for them to continue development.
Kim's blunt statement that the title had been canned runs opposite to his typical non-committal tactics when discussing games in development, as seen in Chris' recent interview with the man.
Microsoft’s Shane Kim On 'Fable 2,' Why Marvel MMO Was Canceled And More [MTV Multiplayer]
