CNet is reporting that Multiverse Network will soon announce a partnership, to be called "Architectural Wonders," that will enable users to design custom virtual worlds using Google's SketchUp 3D models, drawing on Google Earth terrain.

Multiverse unveiled version 1.0 of its MMO and virtual world network earlier this year with its Worlds in Progress initiative, a collection of early prototype games and worlds built on its platform, with the aim of providing consumer access to the network. Four worlds have been launched, and all of them are accessible via Multiverse World Browser, a free downloadable that enables consumer access to any game on the network.

Now, though, users will apparently be able to use the Google tools to get specific, creating real-world locations based on Google Earth and populating them with 3D models. "The goal is to grab things from the 3D Warehouse when looking at things in Google Earth and then make an instant multiverse world," Multiverse founder Corey Bridges explained in the article. "What we've done is provide a more streamlined interface for using [Google's technology] as a virtual-world production tool."

Multiverse users have been able to use some of the SketchUp models for some time, but now it seems they will have a broader range of options. This is good news, and a long time in coming, to all of those eager to experiment with the possibilities of Google technology for the virtual worlds space.

[Via CNet]