September 16^th, 2004 (12:00am) - SEGA of America, Inc. and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today announced that the release date of The Matrix Online, the massively multi-player online game, will be January 18, 2005. Originally slated for a November ship date, the January release will allow the co-publishers to implement plans to launch the game simultaneously in Europe.

As pre-order for The Matrix Online begins next week, the program will offer participants access to an exclusive, closed beta beginning on November 18, 2004; access to the final version of the game three days before it is available to the public; and an advanced-level "Hyper Jump" ability with a special effect. This will be an opportunity for members of the Matrix community to establish allegiances, join guilds and plan strategies for the full game. During the pre-order beta, players will experience The Matrix Online’s full mechanics and abilities, however the game’s storyline will commence with the launch in January.