A week after gaming major Ubisoft debuted the trailer of a video game based around Michael Jackson’s dance moves comes news of another game, in a massive online multiplayer format, that welcomes players to a virtual world inspired by the late singer’s lyrics.
“Planet Michael”, due to launch in late 2011, will draw from the late King of Pop’s many philanthropic interests, which will serve as a basis for the game’s social elements. An in-game economy will allow players, in certain circumstances, to make contributions to charitable causes as they play.
See Virtual Worlds announced plans for the game Tuesday, saying “Planet Michael” will be a free-to-download social gaming experience without subscription fees. Note that the company didn’t say the game will be free to play: Expect some kind of pay-as-you-go model to emerge as we learn more about the game.
“’Planet Michael’ will offer fans around the globe an innovative, first-of-its-kind interactive gaming and social experience that truly celebrates Michael Jackson’s extraordinary life as an artist and humanitarian,” the company said in a media statement.
Entire continents will be created that will celebrate Jackson’s unique genius in a way that underscores his place as the greatest artist of all time. King of Pop’s “long-time fans will feel at home as they find themselves in places that seem familiar and yet unknown at the same time, and new generations will discover and experience Michael’s life in a way never before imagined,” the statement added.
“At its core, ‘Planet Michael’ is a massive social gaming experience that will allow everyone, from the hardcore fan to the novice, to connect and engage in collaborative in-game activities with people worldwide.”
Martin Biallas, CEO of SEE Virtual Worlds, said: “In building a space worthy of those global connections, we envisioned a magical, enjoyable place that will capture that zest for fun and life that was at Michael’s very core. Throughout his extensive career, the King of Pop was well-known for his visionary contributions to music, dance, fashion, entertainment and philanthropy, and it was critical that we somehow incorporate all of those elements into the game.”
“No artist unified the world like Michael Jackson, so it is fitting that in ‘Planet Michael’ his fans will be able to join together in such a unique way online to celebrate his music, his artistry and his devotion to helping those in need,” said John Branca, co-executor for the Estate of Michael Jackson.
“Michael was always exploring creative new ways technology could enhance the experiences of his fans, and for that reason we are thrilled to be working with SEE Virtual Worlds to build a global interactive experience that befits an artist as innovative as Michael Jackson,” added John McClain, co-executor of the estate.
“Planet Michael” is just one world in a larger galaxy of virtual worlds called “Entropia Universe”.
Meanwhile, going by gameboys’ comments about Ubisoft’s “Michael Jackson: The Experience”, it’s sure to wake up the neighbours.
The first video for the new dancing game was released Thursday. It depicts people on the street re-enacting the late Michael Jackson’s famous moves, paying particular homage to the iconic video for early ’80s hit “Billie Jean.”
“Michael Jackson: The Experience” will be released November 23 for Wii, and in early 2011 for Move and Kinect.
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