Gamernode: Interviews - The Agency producer, Daniel Myers

The Agency producer, Daniel Myers

I recently got the chance to talk with producer Dan Myers about Sony Online Entertainment's upcoming spy MMO The Agency. He was happy to answer all my questions, even in the midst of what they call a "sprint phase" - a rush to complete up to a certain point in the game's development cycle.

In the following pages, Dan talks about The Agency's gameplay mechanics, plot, and art style, as well as the development team's history, PC-PS3 interaction, and his favorite spy flicks. He even reveals his identity as an international secret agent, detailing his next mission to save the world.

Ok, that last bit was a total lie; just read for yourself:

How are you doing today, Dan? How about we get started by letting our readers know just who you are.

I am doing surprisingly well for a crunch week, Eddie. Thanks.

My name is Daniel Myers and I am a producer at the Sony Online Entertainment studio in Seattle, Washington.

So, you and your team at SOE Seattle are working on a little game called The Agency. Can you give us a brief rundown of what the game is all about? What sort of things will players be doing in the game?

The idea behind The Agency is for players to lead the life of an elite agent. If you've ever wanted to be James Bond, Xander Cage, Jason Bourne, or even Austin Powers, then this is the game for you. Join the slick United Nations Intelligence and Tactical Experts (UNITE) or the gritty Paramilitary Global Operations Network (ParaGON) and take on subversive groups all over the world for glory, cash and much, much more.

And what is your personal role in the development of The Agency?

I herd the cats. *laugh* Actually, I oversee several teams working on different aspects of the game. At the moment, that includes weapon systems, skills, and animation. Mostly I keep the teams aware of our top needs and clear any issues that prevent them from focusing on their work.

What other titles have you and the rest of The Agency team worked on in the past?

Now that's a tall order--I don't think you have enough space to print every game the team has worked on. If you had a resume for the studio, you'd see everything from Asheron's Call to Tomb Raider to Halo to Call of Duty 4.

Previous titles I've been involved with are Magic: The Gathering Online and The Matrix Online--I'm also the producer on MxO. Anyone who's been involved in that community might know me by the handle "Walrus".

From your past work, what have you been able to bring to the table and apply to this project?

My past experience is mostly in community management--being the interface between the players and the development team. The most important skill I developed working with game communities is figuring out what the most important player concerns are. Sometimes the loudest folk aren't necessarily the ones stating the critical issues.

Are you a big MMO fan, yourself? What genres are your favorites?

I would say that I am a fan of massively multiplayer online games, although not a hardcore player. I've tried many different games, starting back in 1996 with Meridian 59. I am big on exploration and that is certainly something MMOs tend to offer in spades.

I will pretty much take a look at anything that comes out--it pays to stay informed. And one of the best parts of working for SOE is the stable of games we produce, including non-fantasy MMOs like Star Wars Galaxies, Planetside, The Matrix Online, and Pirates of the Burning Sea. I have played lots of fantasy MMOs and, like many players, I am looking for something to break the mold.

And how about with movies? Are you a big secret agent fan? James Bond, maybe?

Oh, absolutely. I love spy flicks. James Bond is a must, but I have to say Xander Cage is probably my favorite character. There is something about taking the jet-setting elite agent and giving him tattoos and attitude that I really enjoy. That is why I am so excited that we are starting to talk more about ParaGON.

Being that Mr. Bond is considered the epitome of the secret agent, what is your favorite Bond flick and who is the definitive 007 in your opinion?

I don't think there is a definitive 007; more that each actor brought something different to the part. For nostalgia's sake, I have to say Moonraker is my favorite Bond flick--it was the first I saw in a theater. And I am looking forward to seeing how Daniel Craig's character grows in successive movies.

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