Matrix game in the works?

Variety.com has posted a story revealing information about a deal between Interplay and Warner Bros. for the licensing rights to The Matrix, the blockbuster futuristic movie released in 1999 that was written by the Wachowski brothers and starred Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, and Carrie-Anne Moss. Specific terms of the deal are not known, but Variety.com estimates the deal to be worth $8-10 million, which would put it in the same league as the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings licenses purchased by Electronic Arts. According to the article, Shiny Entertainment is developing a next-generation console game based on the license. The game is expected to be a third-person action-adventure title that will use a combination of the Sacrifice and Messiah 3D engines. It is expected to be released on the PC in addition to next-generation console systems.

Interplay declined to comment on the deal at this time and would not share any details about any Matrix games in development. Warner Bros. was not available for comment. The complete article from Variety.com can be found on the official Web site.