Planet Michael will be based on the work and life of the late King of Pop. No, we're not kidding.

A Michael Jackson MMO will be released in late 2011. No, it's not April 1st. That's really all I have to say.

OK, I suppose a little more detail is in order. SEE Virtual Worlds has partnered with the Michael Jackson Estate to publish Planet Michael, a free-to-play virtual world based on the late King of Pop. The planet "will be an immersive virtual space themed after iconic visuals drawn from Michael’s music, his life, and the global issues that concerned him."

A couple of screenshots have been released that showcase areas of the planet based on "Billy Jean" and "Thriller." You can view them in our screenshots gallery. Keep reading after the jump for more information on the game, including its real cash economy. Sooooo... what do you think? Post your comments below!

Let's get back to the game's economy. Planet Michael is actually one of the first themed planets that SEE Virtual Worlds is publishing for the Entropia Universe, which is comprised of a variety of virtual worlds. Entropy Universe uses a real cash economy, which can most notably be seen in Planet Calypso. Earlier this year, a piece of virtual property located on Planet Calypso sold for a staggering $330,000. Makes you wonder how much MJ fans will be willing to pay for a virtual Neverland Ranch.

The Planet Michael press release does state that this type of economy "allows players to take on dozens of different occupations and, in certain instances, contribute to a charitable cause at the same time." It would appear that the social game will at least allow players to rally behind a good cause from time to time.

Here is the full Planet Michael press release:

LOS ANGELES – September 21, 2010 - SEE Virtual Worlds^TM, and the Michael Jackson Estate today announce Planet Michael^TM, a massively multiplayer online virtual world set to launch in late 2011. Planet Michael will offer fans around the globe an innovative interactive gaming and social experience that celebrates Michael Jackson’s life as an artist and humanitarian. This is just the first of a virtual reality universe of connected planets tied to licensed franchises produced by SEE Virtual Worlds^TM.

The new planet, currently slated for launch next year, will be an immersive virtual space themed after iconic visuals drawn from Michael’s music, his life, and the global issues that concerned him. At its core, Planet Michael is a massive social gaming experience that will allow everyone, from the hardcore fan to the novice, to connect and engage in collaborative in-game activities with people worldwide. Entire continents will be created that will celebrate Michael’s unique genius in a way that underscores his place as the greatest artist of all time. Michael’s long-time fans will feel at home, as they find themselves in places that seem familiar and yet unknown at the same time, and new generations will discover and experience Michael’s life in a way never before imagined.

Planet Michael is one of the first themed planets that SEE Virtual Worlds will publish for the Entropia Universe, a vast dynamic 3D environment created and provided to end users by MindArk PE AB.  The Entropia Universe features several existing planets and combines a revolutionary cash economy with cutting-edge graphics. Although Planet Michael is a free-to-download world without monthly subscription fees, the real world in-game economy features gameplay monetization that allows players to take on dozens of different occupations and, in certain instances, contribute to a charitable cause at the same time.

“When we first approached the Estate and talked about creating Planet Michael, one of our primary goals was to build an interactive environment where fans from all over the world come together to affirm Michael’s life-long dedication to fostering global friendships,” said Martin Biallas, CEO of SEE Virtual Worlds. “In building a space worthy of those global connections, we envisioned a magical, enjoyable place that will capture that zest for fun and life that was at Michael’s very core. Throughout his extensive career, the King of Pop was well-known for his visionary contributions to music, dance, fashion, entertainment and philanthropy, and it was critical that we somehow incorporate all of those elements into the game.”

“No artist unified the world like Michael Jackson, so it is fitting that in Planet Michael his fans will be able to join together in such a unique way online to celebrate his music, his artistry and his devotion to helping those in need,” said John Branca, co-executor for The Estate of Michael Jackson. “Michael was always exploring creative new ways technology could enhance the experiences of his fans, and for that reason we are thrilled to be working with SEE Virtual Worlds to build a global interactive experience that befits an artist as innovative as Michael Jackson” added John McClain, co-executor of the Estate.

For game updates and to register to become a part of Planet Michael, please visit: www.planetmichael.com