Today, Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) signed a licensing agreement with Epic Games. Under terms of the deal, SOE can use the Unreal Engine 3 middleware to help develop console and PC titles. It will be used  in upcoming projects like the DC Comics game that is currently in production in Austin.

SAN DIEGO, CA – July 20, 2006 – Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE), a global leader in the online games industry, today announced a licensing agreement with Epic Games to use their Unreal® Engine 3 technology for the development of content for some next-generation console and PC-based games. SOE will utilize this technology for a number of future projects, including the DC Comics-based game currently under development at SOE-Austin.

“Our development teams are very excited about harnessing the power of Unreal Engine 3,” said John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment. “The combination of a top-notch graphics engine and a robust set of design tools will enable our teams to deliver incredible and innovative game content for next-generation consoles and the PC.”

This agreement allows Epic Games to include another impressive name to an already extraordinary list of licensing partners.

“Sony Online Entertainment has a reputation for delivering detailed, truly engaging, interactive online worlds” said Mark Rein, Vice President, Epic Games, Inc. “It is a great privilege for us that they’re using Unreal Engine 3 to help create their next generation projects.”