Free Realms liberating EU PS3s

Despite the obvious similarities, up until a few months ago, Sony Online Entertainment was actually a subdivision of film purveyors Sony Pictures, and not its gamemaking brethren Sony Computer Entertainment. Now that SOE has formally been brought into the PlayStation fold, however, SCE is tasking the development house with bringing an increasing number of massively multiplayer online games to the PlayStation 3.

Sony's European arm confirmed today at the Leipzig Games Convention that the SOE-developed free-to-play MMOG Free Realms would arrive on the PS3 in addition to the PC. Sony Computer Entertainment Europe will publish the game in the EU, although no North American release plans have been made.

Free Realms promises to combine role-playing, minigames, and MMOG-style socializing elements into a package that is aimed at game fans of all ages. For an in-depth look at what the free-to-play MMOG will offer, check out GameSpot's hands-on with the PC edition from this year's Consumer Electronics Show.

Besides Free Worlds, Sony has two other MMOGs in the PS3 pipeline, both from SOE: DC Universe Online, supervised by famed illustrator Jim Lee, will arrive on the PC and PS3, and the espionage-themed actioner The Agency.