Planet Michael, the Michael Jackson MMO, Coming Next Year

At the gut level, a Michael Jackson MMO seems ridiculous, but hear Planet Michael out for a minute: The game, to be published next year by SEE Virtual Worlds, will be set in places inspired by the late King of Pop’s songs and music videos. Pictured above is a scene from “Thriller,” and areas based on “Beat It, “Smooth Criminal” and “Billy Jean” are also planned. The gameplay details are hazy, but developer Josh Gordon told USA Today that the game will avoid violence in favor of song and dance.

Planet Michael is part of a larger network of MMO worlds called Entropia Universe, which will contain other sci-fi and music-themed planets. The game will be free-to-play, with revenue coming from in-game purchases, such as clothing. Players will also be able to make charitable donations from within the game, in line with Jackson’s philanthropic views.

Wacky concept? Sure, but at least it seems more interesting than Ubisoft’s boilerplate dance-off Michael Jackson: The Experience. You can see that game in action — along with beautiful actors pretending to have fun — in the official trailer. [via 1UP, Shacknews and USA Today]