The Matrix Online (abbreviated as MxO)[1] was a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) initially developed by Monolith Productions and later, a few months after launch, by Sony Online Entertainment. It was advertised as a continuation of the storyline of The Matrix films, as The Wachowskis, the franchise's creators, gave their blessing to the notion of gamers "inherit[ing] the storyline".[2] The game began closed beta-testing in June 2004 which was then opened for people who pre-ordered the game in November 2004. Warner Bros. and Sega released MxO on March 22, 2005 in the United States. It was released in Europe on April 15, 2005. In June, Warner Bros. sold the rights to the game to Sony Online Entertainment, and the game's development and operation was transferred to the latter on August 15, 2005. Sony Online Entertainment shut down operation of the game on July 31, 2009.[3]
Ubisoft backed out of an agreement to co-publish the game, not long after canceling plans for another MMORPG. Ubisoft and Warner Bros. stated that this did not have a negative impact on their relationship. At the time, doubts about the game circled within the industry, based on the lackluster reception of the second and third The Matrix films and an overcrowded MMORPG market.[4]
- ^ Ocampo, Jason (2009-05-29). "The Matrix Online Shutting Down". IGN. Archived from the original on 2019-04-24. Retrieved 2019-04-24.
- ^ Chadwick, Paul (11 April 2005). "The Matrix Online". Archived from the original on 16 August 2017. Retrieved 13 October 2016.
- ^ Ocampo, Jason (29 May 2009). "The Matrix Online Shutting Down". Archived from the original on 16 August 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
- ^ Thorsen, Tor (25 February 2004). "Ubisoft jacks out of the Matrix Online". Gamespot. Archived from the original on 26 April 2012. Retrieved 11 July 2012.