Planet Michael

Michael Jackson to live on in online virtual world launching next year.

News by GamesIndustry International Contributor

Published on Sept. 21, 2010

LOS ANGELES – September 21, 2010 - SEE Virtual Worlds ^TM, and the Michael Jackson Estate today announce Planet Michael ^TM, a massively multiplayer online virtual world set to launch in late 2011. Planet Michael will offer fans around the globe an innovative interactive gaming and social experience that celebrates Michael Jackson’s life as an artist and humanitarian. This is just the first of a virtual reality universe of connected planets tied to licensed franchises produced by SEE Virtual Worlds ^TM.

The new planet, currently slated for launch next year, will be an immersive virtual space themed after iconic visuals drawn from Michael’s music, his life, and the global issues that concerned him. 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. Entire continents will be created that will celebrate Michael’s unique genius in a way that underscores his place as the greatest artist of all time. Michael’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.

Planet Michael is one of the first themed planets that SEE Virtual Worlds will publish for the Entropia Universe, a vast dynamic 3D environment created and provided to end users by MindArk PE AB. The Entropia Universe features several existing planets and combines a revolutionary cash economy with cutting-edge graphics. Although Planet Michael is a free-to-download world without monthly subscription fees, the real world in-game economy features gameplay monetization that allows players to take on dozens of different occupations and, in certain instances, contribute to a charitable cause at the same time.

“When we first approached the Estate and talked about creating Planet Michael, one of our primary goals was to build an interactive environment where fans from all over the world come together to affirm Michael’s life-long dedication to fostering global friendships,” said Martin Biallas, CEO of SEE Virtual Worlds. “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.

For game updates and to register to become a part of Planet Michael, please visit: www.planetmichael.com

For additional assets and information, please visit: www.bastion.co.uk

About SEE Virtual Worlds:

Special Entertainment Events or SEE has been in the business of themed entertainment for over a decade. For SEE this is a process of utilizing known entertainment titles and franchises in new and innovative ways to increase brand awareness and create lucrative additional revenue streams for Licensors and project investors. SEE has worked with some of the most iconic names in show business, including Star Trek, Pokémon and Titanic. SEE has received numerous awards for excellence in touring attractions and other themed entertainment projects.

SEE Virtual World MJ, LLC is the newest division of the Los Angeles based SEE corporate group. A natural extension of the company’s core licensing business, SEE VW brings the world of themed entertainment online. Through a virtual reality universe of connected planets, participants interact with their favourite motion picture, television, sports, and music properties. Planet Michael is the first such themed-planet and more will be announced in the months ahead. Using the state-of-the-art Entropia Universe platform, the real cash economy is incorporated in the planet, enabling participants to earn money through gameplay. For more information on the company and its products, please visit SEE VW at http://www.seeglobalentertainment.com.

About Entropia Universe:

Entropia Universe launched in January 2003 and has grown to more than 950,000 registered accounts from over 200 countries. It is the only virtual universe with a real money trading (RMT) economy whose currency, the PED, has a fixed exchange rate of 10:1 with the U.S. Dollar. Its business model is unique as it is based on micropayments, meaning that the client software is free to download from the Internet, and there are no monthly subscription fees; thus, Entropia Universe provides a way for new players to immediately start exploring without having to deposit money. Virtual funds acquired in Entropia Universe can easily be exchanged and then withdrawn into real-world funds. The RMT business model has been very successful; The 2009 turnover of Entropia Universe topped $422,000,000 U.S. For more information, visit http://www.entropia-universe.com. Additional information about MindArk PE AB, developer of the Entropia Universe is avail-able at http://www.Mindark.com

ENTROPIA UNIVERSE ^® and MINDARK ^® are registered trademark of MindArk PE AB. MindArk supports and monitors the services and maintenance of the Entropia Universe platform.

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Media Contacts:

Dean Barrett

Bastion

+44(0) 207 421 7600

dean@bastion.co.uk

Dan Griliopoulos

Bastion

+44(0) 207 421 7600

dan@bastion.co.uk

For The Estate of Michael Jackson

Jim Bates