Early last year, Microsoft and Cryptic Studios officially called it quits on Marvel Universe Online, a superhero-themed massively multiplayer online role-playing game based on the life and times of Marvel's stable of masked crime fighters. While Cryptic and Atari pushed forward with the idea--repurposing work on Marvel Universe for Champions Online--the Marvel MMOG concept has been dormant since.

　　Devouring universes with a smile, seven days a week. That changed today, though, as Marvel and Gazillion Entertainment announced a long-term partnership to build and launch a number of superhero-based MMOGs. According to today's announcement, Gazillion had previously been operating in "stealth mode" as NR2B Research, recruiting talent from Apple, Blizzard Entertainment, Microsoft Game Studios, and Pixar Animation Studios to flesh out its ranks.

　　The first MMOG to be released under Gazillion and Marvel's MMOG deal will fall under the kid-friendly Super Hero Squad brand. Developed by Amazing Society--one of four wholly owned and independently run studios in Gazillion's stable--the Marvel Super Hero Squad MMOG will offer casual gamers the chance to team up with a number of Marvel's most prominent crusaders, including Iron Man, Hulk, Wolverine, Thor, the Fantastic Four, and Captain America.

　　Gazillion provided no additional details or launch information concerning the title. Of note, THQ is also producing a Marvel Super Hero Squad for "next-gen consoles," handhelds, and Windows PCs, which is expected to arrive later this year.

　　A second Marvel-themed MMOG is in development at Gargantuan. Operating under the same title as Microsoft and Cryptic's canceled venture, the Marvel Universe MMOG is in development for PCs and consoles. Additional information on Gazillion's self-published title was not revealed, though the production house did promise to provide more details in the coming months.

　　NetDevil and Slipgate Ironworks represent the two remaining studios that fall under Gazillion's umbrella. As previously announced, NetDevil is currently at work on the recently delayed Lego Universe and Jumpgate Evolution MMOGs. Slipgate Ironworks is also crafting an MMOG, though details on the project remain undisclosed.