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Former Blizzard North President Joins Gazillion To Lead Marvel Universe MMO
by Leigh Alexander [PC, Console/PC]
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July 21, 2009
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Former Blizzard North president and Diablo design lead David Brevik has taken on a new role at MMO publisher Gazillion Entertainment. He's now director of the company's Gargantuan development studio, where he'll lead development on the Marvel Universe MMO.
"I’m a huge fan of comic books, superheroes and MMORPGs, so the chance to lead the creative efforts for the Marvel Universe MMO is an amazing opportunity," Brevik says. "Gazillion’s mission to bring MMOs to the mainstream while maintaining the depth in gameplay that enthusiast gamers demand is something that deeply resonates with me."
Brevik spent seven years as Blizzard North's president, and officially was project lead, design lead and lead programmer on both Diablo and Diablo II, playing a key role in the 20 million-selling franchise. He's also credited with the launch of the Battle.net gaming service. Prior to joining Blizzard, he was a director at now-defunct Flagship Studios.
San Mateo-based Gazillion quietly emerged earlier this year with the revelation that not only does it now own formerly-independent NetDevil and Slipgate Ironworks, but that it also has a 10-year licensing deal with Marvel to do superhero games.
The partnership begins with Amazing Society's kid-friendly Marvel Super Hero Squad in 2010 (not to be confused with THQ's Super Hero Squad) and continues with this new Marvel MMO.
"As the creative and technical force behind the Diablo franchise and Battle.Net, David is an immensely talented game industry veteran who is responsible for bringing role playing games and online gaming more generally to an extremely large and thankful audience around the world," says Gazillion CEO Rob Hutter.
"We’re thrilled that he’s chosen to bring his vision and design leadership to the development of our landmark MMO franchise with Marvel."
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I wonder how this will stack up against DC Universe. Speaking of which, they aren't really going to call this Marvel Universe Online are they?
Gotta keep up with the Joneses I guess.