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Enter The AOL Matrix - Matrix Online Using AOL IM

Posted by simoniker on from the neo25m-trinity23f dept.

Thanks to Reuters for its report discussing America Online's embedding of AOL Instant Messenger in the forthcoming PC MMORPG, The Matrix Online. According to the story, which points out that "America Online and [game publisher] Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment [are] both units of Time Warner Inc", aliases will be created: "Players will be able to keep their in-game identities separate from their regular or instant-messenger personas, AOL said, by linking their in-game name to their instant-messenger screen name." It explains: "When players sign in to the messenger service, 'buddies' they have made from within the game will see their in-game name, rather than their regular AOL or AIM identity."

5 of 37 comments (clear)

  1. won't protect your im screename by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

    if the goal of this is to protect your im screename, it won't work. I've done packetsniffing on im packets to spy on other people in my dorm hall, and every message you send is prefixed by (to username) and every one you recieve has (from username) in front. so if this uses the regular aol protocol you can find out who you're talking to, as the game would just changes the name of who you're talking to.

    1. Re:won't protect your im screename by Morgon · · Score: 2, Informative

      Actually, I think the "Name linking" that they're referring to is the feature in the current version of AIM that allows you to basically log onto two names at once (things that programs like DeadAim and AIMutation have been allowing you to do for some time).

      So when you log in to your master name, your other name(s) log on as well, at the same time, with seperate lists.

      --
      [DISCLAIMER: This post is a work of satire and should not be misconstrued as a holy text upon which to base a religion.]
  2. So... by hookedup · · Score: 3, Informative

    Want to use aim without their (aol) software?

    Step this way gentlemen. May I introduce to you Miranda

  3. Re:The Kiss of Death. by I+am+Kobayashi · · Score: 2, Informative
    Yep, decisions like these - made by marketing or higher execs - almost inevitably end up hurting a game.

    And considering that Matrix MMORPG isn't even really an anticipated release by MMORPG regulars, you can pretty much kiss it goodbye now....

    --
    --Kobayashi--
  4. Re:These ideas come from management by ziggles · · Score: 2, Informative
    In all of the above, I wouldn't want my regular user name to be my AOL IM. As if I don't get enough spam, last thing I need is to be IM spammed by the people I fragged.

    What? Slashdotters don't even read the summary now?

    "When players sign in to the messenger service, 'buddies' they have made from within the game will see their in-game name, rather than their regular AOL or AIM identity."

    You don't use your regular user name.