The Matrix Online Players Can Invite Friends to Jack Into the Game through AOL's Instant Messenger Service

In an industry first, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and SEGA have teamed up with America Online to give players of The Matrix Online, a massively multi-player online game (MMOG), the ability to link an existing AIM identity to a new in-game character. Players will be able to remain "in character" without revealing their AOL or AIM screen name, thus creating seamless real-time communication between Matrix players.  

The integration of AOL Instant Messenger into The Matrix Online will enable players to see the online presence of fellow gamers and communicate with them at any time within the context of the game.  Gamers can also reach outside the game to contact players that are online, but not playing The Matrix Online, to alert them to join a mission or ask them for gameplay tips.

Launching on March 22, 2005, The Matrix Online, co-published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and SEGA, is an MMOG where tens of thousands of players will jack into the Matrix world to take an active role in continuing the saga of The Matrix movie trilogy. Developed by Monolith Productions in conjunction with the Wachowski Brothers, creators of The Matrix trilogy and Joel Silver, Producer of The Matrix trilogy, the game is a re-creation of the virtual world of the Matrix, employing cutting-edge 3-D graphics, networking and server technology. Gameplay in The Matrix Online will be based on intricate and exciting “wire-fu” combat, an extensive mission structure, social interaction and a completely customizable skill and ability system. 

With 195 million registered users, AOL Instant Messenger adds a whole new dimension to online game play. As long as a consumer has an AOL AIM, ICQ or Apple iChat account, he or she can receive a message from The Matrix Online players via the Internet, PDA or cell phone.

™ & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

(s05)

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