"DC Universe Online" is one of the most anticipated video game releases of the year. Well, it was one of the most anticipated video game releases of the year - it doesn't quite qualify for that status anymore, as the MMORPG has been delayed until early 2011.Sony Online Entertainment made the announcement of the game's delay via press release, citing a need for extra beta testing time. Of course, immediate speculation is going to hone in on the recent goings-on at DC Entertainment - the company is in the process of splitting itself between two coasts, personnel changes have been reported and Jim Lee, the leader of the "DC Universe Online" project, is understandably busy with his role as DCE co-publisher. Given all of that, it's not exactly surprising that the game isn't meeting its intended release date.

But that's just conjecture. For the official reasons, let's turn to SOE President John Smedley, who states:

"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."

The press release contains new information about how to get involved with beta testing, so there's still a chance to play "DC Universe Online" this year - just not in the wide scale manner fans were hoping for.

[Via DCUO]

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