Cataclysm Launch Date, DC Universe Online Late

World of Warcraft: Cataclysm launches in December while DC Universe Online gets pushed back into early 2011.

Monday brought reports regarding two important MMORPG release dates for the PC.

According to Blizzard, the third expansion pack for World of Warcraft--entitled Cataclysm--will be in stores starting December 7, 2010. The expansion will be simultaneously released for both Windows 7/Vista/XP and Macintosh platforms for $39.99, and will also be available as a digital download from Blizzard's online store. Gamers can purchase the Collector's Edition at retail for a meatier $79.99 pricetag on the same day.

"Cataclysm includes the best content we've ever created for World of Warcraft," said Mike Morhaime, CEO and co-founder of Blizzard Entertainment. "It’s not just an expansion, but a re-creation of much of the original Azeroth, complete with epic new high-level adventures for current players and a redesigned leveling experience for those just starting out. With the help of our beta testers, we're putting on the final polish, and we look forward to welcoming gamers around the world to enjoy it in just a couple of months."

In related news, Sony Online Entertainment said that its upcoming superhero MMORPG DC Universe Online has been pushed back to "early 2011." Although specific reasons for the delay weren't provided, SOE president John Smedley said that the game is now heading into external beta testing, and that the extra time will allow the team to "address community feedback in a meaningful delay."

"When we get deeper into external beta, we'll be able to share more information regarding the new launch date," he said.

Gamers wanting access to the beta without pre-ordering the game will have until 11:59 PST Monday night (tonight) to register. Those who already registered or obtained a VIP key card will have access on a priority basis starting as early as next week. North American consumers who pre-order by November 15, 2010 will have a guaranteed spot by November 30. Anyone pre-ordering the game after November 15 will gain beta access one week prior to the launch date.