Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) have given a release date for their highly-anticipated MMO based in the DC Universe, DC Universe Online. The game has reached gold master status and will be available at retail outlets for PC and PlayStation 3 on January 11, 2011.

DC Universe Online will cost $50 for PC and $60 for PS3 in the US - this will give you a 30-day game membership with monthly subscriptions costing $15 per month afterwards. SOE have said they will update the game regularly with new episodes featuring DC Comics characters, new instances and major "in-game events".

DC Universe allows players to create their own superhero (or villain!) and join forces with their favorite DC Comics characters to help save the universe.

"Creating DC Universe Online has been a massive undertaking, and we're excited to be that much closer to launch," Christopher Cao, Game Director of DCUO for Sony Online Entertainment, said in a statement. "We're grateful to our beta players for providing us invaluable feedback in these final stages that has enabled us to put the finishing touches on a fun and exciting experience when the game launches in January."