Everything about The Matrix Online seemed like a great idea, but since most MMO fans seem content to just play World of Warcraft endlessly, it's hard for other MMOs to make waves. Gamespy reported today that SOE's Daniel "Walrus" Myers made a community post on The Matrix Online forums announcing that the game will shut down permanently as of July 31st. From that post:

It seems not so long ago I was jumping into Mara Central and going toe-to-toe with other devs at E3 2004. I had no idea this journey would take me to a whole different company, managing a major revision of the game, and my first producing gig. “Long, strange trip” doesn’t describe the half of it.

Now we’ve seen how far the rabbit hole goes and it’s time to wake up from that dream (or go back to sleep, depending how you look at it). On July 31, 2009, we will be jacking out for the last time. It’s a bittersweet moment for everyone involved with the game; as a player or as a developer.

I didn't play The Matrix Online, but I can't help but feel a little sad reading that -- it's obvious Walrus was deeply invested and cared very much about the project. He did mention that the team would be working on an end of the world event in-game that players will be able to enjoy before it all goes away. Four years is not too shabby of a run, either way. Now I kind of wish I had played it while I had the chance.