Microsoft Acquires License to The Matrix

Domestic video game production studio Interplay, with assistance from Microsoft in the form of a $5 million loan, has secured exclusive rights to a video game based on The Matrix film franchise. According to the stipulations of the license, Interplay will have the ability to release a Matrix game on the XBox up to 6 months before the game is available on any other console system, and no Matrix based games beside those for the Xbox may include internet play options. Furthermore, the Xbox version of The Matrix game will include new (or extra characters), extra gameplay, more dialog, more special stunt moves, more (different) vehicles, more voice-over, more motion capture for better character emotions, more weapons and extra “pyrotechnics,” extra sound tracks from the Hollywood composer, and more hidden video than any other console version.

In return for the loan from Microsoft which made the license possible, Interplay will be required to invest at least $500,000 into developing online features exclusive to the Xbox version of the game, and must repay the loan through a $20-per-unit royalty paid to Microsoft based on games sold. Interplay will get a deal from Microsoft, though, by paying only a $5 to $7 per unit royalty fee for Xbox software sold relative to the $8 to $10 per unit standard royalty charged by Sony.

Source: IGN Xbox