2K Games announced today that it will be the North American and international publisher for Cryptic Studios’™ highly anticipated massively multiplayer online (MMO) action game, Champions Online™, being developed for the Xbox 360 and Games for Windows®. Champions Online is scheduled for release in spring of 2009.

“2K Games is excited to work with such a talented group as Cryptic Studios,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “Given their stellar pedigree and amazing grasp of the MMO genre, we are confident that Champions Online will deliver an innovative and exciting action MMO experience to gamers.”

Something interested that we noticed though, which we are being told is nothing to be concerned about is that Champions Online hasn’t actually been approved yet by Microsoft. We’ll let you know when that changes, since we are looking forward to this new MMO for the Xbox 360.

Cryptic Studios, based in Los Gatos, CA and established in July 2000, is one of the leading independent developers of massively multiplayer online games for Windows PC and current generation systems. As an independent, employee-owned company, Cryptic is committed to delivering high quality, innovative cross platform MMO gameplay. Cryptic is best known as the creator of the award-winning City of Heroes® and City of Villains™ MMO titles. Based on the popular Champions™ pen-and-paper RPG, Champions Online will give players the power of total customization for their hero experience while they explore a vast comic book universe.

“2K Games is a terrific publishing partner for Champions Online,” said John Needham, CEO of Cryptic Studios. “Cryptic is proud that Champions Online will be 2K’s first MMO title and we look forward to working together towards a tremendous launch next year.”

Champions Online is not yet rated by the ESRB. For more information, log onto www.champions-online.com