Universal Partnerships & Licensing has signed with SEE Virtual Worlds to launch a multiplayer online game based on Universal Monsters and monster hunter Van Helsing.

The virtual world is expected to roll out in late 2011. It will blend the new world with the classic survival horror genre and interactive elements. The game will feature the battle between Van Helsing and a variety of the original Universal Monsters, including Frankenstein, The Mummy, Dracula and The Wolf Man. In addition, it will feature different lands such as the Vatican, Dracula's Castle and The Lagoon.

"Given the vision offered by SEE Virtual Worlds for an online world featuring our iconic Universal Monsters, we can't wait to bring fans the first opportunity to interact with their favorite characters in a real-time evolving social game," says Bill Kispert, vice president and general manager of digital platforms at Universal Partnerships & Licensing. "At Universal we are constantly striving to be at the forefront of digital media and with support from the advanced Entropia Universe platform, we are thrilled to bring the Universal Monsters to both fans and gamers alike via a dynamic and exciting all-new virtual world."

Universal Monsters is the second online themed planet published by SEE Virtual Worlds. Earlier this year, the company partnered with the Michael Jackson estate to publish Planet Michael, which is set to launch in 2011.