Microsoft and Marvel Enterprises announced a licensing agreement giving Microsoft exclusive rights to develop and publish massively multiplayer online games using some of the some of world’s most popular superheroes.With the deal, Microsoft will get a stable of stars such as Spider-Man and Hulk for its next-generation Xbox 360 system as it does battle with arch rival Sony, with PlayStation 3.In the fan-based world of gaming, grabbing a superhero or two can make a huge difference, said Rob Enderle, president of the Enderle Gourp. “It’s believed that because there is so much interest in Superheroes, and that Microsoft is such a strong player in the space, a game based on Microsoft’s heroes will be a powerful draw. Of, course, it all depends on how good the game is,” Enderle said. Massively multiplayer games (MMOGs), which thousands of players can play online simultaneously, is a significant growth area of the burgeoning, multi-billion-dollar interactive entertainment industry, Microsoft said in a statement. The addition of Spider-Man and X-Man can only enhance Xbox, the company said.“Marvel has created some of the most iconic and exciting characters and stories in the past century. We’re thrilled to bring this universe to interac-tive entertainment,” said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of Worldwide Marketing and Publishing for Xbox at Microsoft. “With this next generation of gaming, Marvel fans will finally have the ability to create choices with their favorite Super Heroes, villains and creatures in unbelievable detail – all with the power of Marvel’s incredible vision and the Xbox platform.”The Marvel-based titles will be developed for the Xbox 360 console platform. “The alliance with Microsoft catapults us into the games category in an unprecedented way. Microsoft is an acknowledged leader in the interactive game space, and backed by their technology, creative and marketing clout, Marvel will establish a strong presence in the burgeoning online gaming arena,” said Tim Rothwell, worldwide president of the Consumer Media Group at Marvel Enterprises. Marvel has a library of more than 5,000 characters, and has operations fo-cused in licensing and entertainment, comic book publishing and toys. Marvel’s products include feature films, DVD/home video, video games and television programming based on its characters. The company also licenses its characters for use in a wide range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, snack foods and promotions. Microsoft’s Xbox 360 is expected to be available near the holiday season in North America, Europe and Japan. Technology Industry