Could The Agency Be The First Simultaneous PC And PS3 MMO?

SOE is working on The Agency, a spy-themed MMO (basically, an online game like EQ, WoW, etc) shooter that simulates modern espionage. Upon starting the game the player has the opportunity to join one of two agencies (listed at the bottom of this post), which will determine the style of missions they receive during gameplay. The game will feature FPS-style gun fighting (with the ability to switch between third and first person views), with some driving and other vehicular segments as well. Skill will be the primary determining factor in the success of the player, though some RPG elements will come into play as well. It has been mentioned that one shot to the head will instantly kill any player, suggesting it will be a somewhat realistic shooter. The game will also include relevant subgames and minigames, among them casino games such as Texas hold ‘em, which can be played for fun or can be used to initiate instance missions, such as losing or winning enough games to draw the attention of an NPC.

What has really caught our attention is a blurb on Gamasutra from an Executive Producer named Wilson at SOE; he has hinted that it may be possible for the PS3 and PC version of the Agency to have players online and able to interact in the same server simultaneously. He was quoted saying, ”In fact, we’re actually doing that at the office. Technology-wise, it’s really not that complicated.” 

I don’t believe there has ever been a bridge of this sort and it is a very exciting probability. As a gamer myself, I have always wanted to play my friends on other consoles or PC’s in the same game and not have my opponent selection limited to the PS3 atmosphere. There are three key technical problems which make it difficult for developers to do this, however: a longer certification process for PS3 updates, PC cheats that could be used to annihilate PS3 users, and the advantage of a mouse and keyboard over the PS3 controller.

My analysis and thoughts:

• Find a way to cut down the red tape and more importantly process time on certification for PS3 updates by employing the right people on both sides of the dev/authorization transaction
• Allow mouse and keyboard compatibility for the PS3 version as the PS3 can accept such peripherals
• Employ a anti-cheat system like Punkbuster to make cheating more difficult

Classes:

The Agency will feature a class system in which you can switch your class depending on what you feel like playing. By switching out gear, you choose how you want to play. There are six combat classes available and there are non-combat aliases. (The names of these classes may vary).

• Spec Ops: Both silent and deadly, the spec ops is about stealth, infiltration, disabling security, and such.
• Psy Ops: All about confusing the opponent, tricking and distracting them.
• Weapon Specialist: These guys/girls can use all weapons, and excel at doing so.
• Tactical Specialist: If you need someone to lay down suppression fire, breach doors, you’ll need a tactical specialist.
• Field Tech: The field tech builds turrets, repairs armors and such, very compatible with the engineer classes in other First-person shooter games.
• Field Medic: As the title says, these guys/girls can patch you up in no time.

More information on the two factions available in the game:

The United Nations Intelligence and Tactical Experts (U.N.I.T.E) are the world’s most elite secret agents. They are the forefront of the fight against terrorism, corruption, and rogue states around the globe. UNITE agents are deadly specialists in stealth and subterfuge, with access to technology the public has never seen before. Headquarters: Unknown Location – North America.

The Paramilitary Global Operations Network (ParaGON) is one of the largest private armies in the world, serving clients both upstanding and unsavory. ParaGON’s efficient, honorable, and often unconventional mercenaries can be found putting duct tape and high explosives to new and exciting uses on every continent. Headquarters: Unknown Location – Africa.