SEE Virtual Worlds to launch Michael Jackson MMO

SEE Virtual Worlds has announced plans for a massively multiplayer game created in conjunction with the estate of controversial pop star Michael Jackson.

Planet Michael is slated for a late 2011 release, and will constitute "an innovative interactive gaming and social experience that celebrates Michael Jackson's life as an artist and humanitarian."

Billed as a 'virtual space', it's pegged as a social game themed around Jackson-based visuals and music.

Like Project Entropia, with which SEE is also partnered, Planet Michael is to be a subscription-fee game propped up with an economy based around real-world cash.

This "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," said Martin Biallas, CEO of SEE Virtual Worlds, "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.

"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."

SEE claims Planet Michael is the first of several planned virtual worlds.