The Matrix Online Interview

FileFront has conducted an interview with Monolith's Toby Ragaini, in which the lead designer discusses their upcoming sci-fi MMORPG, The Matrix Online. An excerpt to follow:
Q: How is Hollywood taking a role in the development of the game (any of the people who worked on the movies taking an active part in the development of the Matrix Online)?

A: MxO is essentially the Wachowski brothers' brainchild. From our earliest conversations, they expressed their desire for Matrix fans to be able to participate in the continuing saga that unfolds in MxO. Monolith was more than happy to help turn that vision into reality.

With the help of Paul Chadwick (author and illustrator of the comic series (Concrete)), the brothers have created a high level, yearlong outline that ties together activities that the players will be performing alongside dramatic interactions with characters like Morpheus and the Oracle. At Monolith, we use this outline to create gameplay and cinematics that convey this story.

In addition, we recently announced that a number of actors have provided us with their incredible voice talent. We've been fortunate to be able to work with Laurence Fishburne (Morpheus), Monica Bellucci (Persephone), Mary Alice (The Oracle), Lambert Wilson (The Merovingian), Harold Perrineau Jr. (Link), Harry Lennix (Lock), Nona Gaye (Zee), Collin Chou (Seraph) and Tanveer Atwal (Sati).