The Matrix Online Q&A - Community

Get your sunglasses ready, because the virtual world of The Matrix movies will become the virtual role-playing world of The Matrix Online later this year. As is generally the case with online role-playing games, you and thousands of other players will have the chance to explore and battle in a huge world, only this time you won't explore a fantastical world full of elves and dwarves. Instead you'll explore the omnipresent cityscape of the Matrix. Traveling alone or in groups, you can take up missions for various factions in the game or follow your own path. The Matrix Online is set after the events of the movie trilogy, so it's a brave new virtual world to explore. To get details on some of the community aspects of the game, we caught up with producer William Westwater.

As you can tell, there will be opportunities to relax and socialize in between adventuring.

GameSpot: So how's the beta test shaping up right now?

William Westwater: The beta has been great for the game and for the community. We've not only gotten the chance to polish and improve the gameplay and stability, but also the community has become very active with sponsored dueling, scheduled raves, and faction pride. Fashion and music take a close second to the combat and missions, so we have to thank the community for running with that.

GS: The impression that we have of The Matrix is all about how one very powerful character (Neo) manages to change the virtual world. But that's not exactly conducive to an online RPG. So tell us a bit about how community works in the game.

WW: Neo is dead. Zion and the Machines have a tense peace. As a newly extracted recruit, you can choose to follow Zion or listen to the siren calls of the Machines and the Merovingian. The fate of the Matrix lies in your hands.

GS: Will you be able to join and leave parties throughout a play session, or will you associate yourself with a certain group on a more long-term basis? Are there going to be any kind of customization options for parties and groups?

Even in the virtual world there are raves.

WW: You can join or leave parties as you wish. The cinematics help bring you into the metastory, where Niobe, Morpheus, and the other characters from the film struggle over the meaning of Neo's sacrifice. Depending on your interpretation of what will get the most for you and for humanity, you can ally with one of three major organizations: Zion, the Machines, or Merovingian. From day to day, you can join with anyone to form a team for missions or for hunting Exiles, and you can even form smaller crews (up to 12) to keep together with your best friends.

GS: How important will it be to adventure in a group? How much room will there be for soloing on your own?

WW: The mission system dynamically scales for team size and level. You can solo your missions, although a group makes it easier. Exile hideouts are harder to solo; we're recommending that you group for those.