If you were jazzed to play DC Universe Online this coming November, hold that excitement. The game has been delayed until early 2011, according to a press releases just received. The reasoning behind the delay is an admirable one, and something we see as explanation quiet often when these kind of things get announced. It’s all about polish and maintaining a level of quality.
"SOE is dedicated to delivering the highest quality game experiences possible," says John Smedley, President of Sony Online Entertainment. "DC Universe Online is the first game of its kind, and a truly massive undertaking -- the first action MMO set in the DC Universe, the first MMO on the PlayStation 3, and the first time the entire DC Universe will be accessible to the millions of fans who are eagerly anticipating its release. As the game heads into external beta testing, this extra time will allow us to address community feedback in a meaningful way. When we get deeper into external beta, we'll be able to share more information regarding the new launch date."
But Sony is sugar-coating the depressing delay news with some good news about the upcoming DCU Online beta program. Players who have already acquired VIP key cards and those who’ve registered at DCUO’s website will receive access to the beta as early as next week. Also, those who have pre-ordered the game, and subsequently those who do so by November 15, 2010, will be assured access by November 30. If you happen to pre-order after November 15, 2010, you will still get beta access to DCU Online, only it will be one week prior to the game actually launches, whenever that happens to be.
Finally, it’s official, PlayStation 3 owners will be able to get the same collector’s edition of DC Universe Online that was said to be exclusive to PC owners earlier this year. The set includes a Batman statue, the Art of DC Universe Online book, the DCUO Legends Issue #0 comic book with a Jim Lee variant cover, the DCUO Prestige comic presentation of the DCUO back-story, and the limited edition Jim Lee-drawn poster Version of the Issue #0 comic book variant cover.
