The Agency: Covert Ops

The Agency(TM) is a spy-themed massively multiplayer online shooter. It is being developed and published by Sony Online Entertainment studios in Seattle for Windows and PlayStation 3.

Storyline
There is little released on the storyline, although it is hinted that there will be one that ties together all of the agencies within the game.

Agencies
Upon starting the game the player has the opportunity to join one of two agencies, which will determine the style of missions they receive during gameplay.
 * The United Network of 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. U.N.I.T.E. agents are deadly specialists in stealth and subterfuge, with access to technology the public has never seen before.
 * 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.

Gameplay
The game will feature first-person shooter-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.

In an interview on All Games Interactive, the developers had stated that the title will be primarily a shooter where a headshot is still a headshot, but other enhancements will be unlocked by the player depending on what they accomplish in the game. However, unlike other titles in which low level players have little to no chance in finishing off a high level veteran, it is possible to do so in the game. Although the high level player will take out many of the low level players in the example, they will "look cool" while doing so based on the skills and options that they have purchased in developing their character, but will eventually die. PvP will also be introduced as an option for players, not as a requirement for play. The user interface will be streamlined in comparison to most massively multiplayer online games, operating more like that of a shooter game to increase ease of interaction in the environment and streamline the combat and inventory processes.

Players will also be able to switch roles depending on what gear their avatar decides to wear. Players inclined to pursue an assault class will simply need to wear assault-type equipment, stealth players will wear stealthy equipment, and so on, negating the need to create a new character type every time they wish to experiment with a different play style. The amount of gear and costumes that each player will have access to will grow as they accomplish tasks within the game, allowing for more options. There will also be a firing range-type environment available for players to test weapons and gadgets.

The world is not a seamless environment encompassing the globe. The environment of the game is being developed around a hub and spoke system where public areas can branch off into other public zones or private areas. Players will be able to encounter other players in public areas who can join them as part of a team to help complete objectives for an assigned mission. Most of the title will be focused on player missions that can be tackled solo or with up to three other members as a team during a mission. This number can increase to eight players during what have been called "crossover" missions, up to thirty two players in any area during PvP battles. Players will also be able to walk to destinations close to them, but will be able to take trains, planes, or other means of transportation to get to far off locations such as other cities or areas.

Ground, water, and air challenges with vehicles are also being planned to be part of the title. Mission types will include assault, patrol, delivery, cross-over objectives, assassination, and others inspired by many sources such as espionage films. Mini-games such as casino style gambling will also be present. Missions will be divided into "short" missions that will take 10–15 minutes to complete, "medium-length" missions of approximately 30–60 minutes, and "set pieces" that will sometimes take well over an hour to completethumb|300px|right.

Operatives
The concept of Operatives is meant to be a key feature in The Agency: Covert Ops. Players will complete missions to acquire new Operatives. Different types of Operatives will supply the player with anything from in-mission hints to advanced vehicles. Operatives can also initiate instance missions, by calling for help when they are in trouble. Better players will be rewarded with access to the better Operatives to add to their teams, making those players even stronger. Operatives will be stylistically represented as trading cards, which can be sold, auctioned, traded and given to friends and other players.

Networks/Joint Agencies
Once players have achieved a certain level of prestige in the game they will be able to create or join "networks" with other players. In terms of functionality, networks are similar to guilds in other MMOs. Networks in The Agency: Covert Ops will have access to special network missions that will pit rival player teams against each other in a competition to complete a common objective first. In an interview with AGI, the developers have stated that these clan-like groupings will also be called 'joint agencies'.

Black Market
The Black Market allows players to browse through collections of high-tech weapons, surveillance equipment, and home decor.

Technical Details
The developers have stated in an interview with All Games Interactive that 30 frames-per-second is their minimum target frame rate. They have also stated that they will attempt to develop the title in order to use all of the available resolution capabilities present in the PS3. Voice communication is also a feature that will be used in the title and the PS3 hard drive will feature heavily in their ability to deliver content to the player.

Facebook Application
The Agency: Covert Ops Facebook Application was launched in May 2010. The Agency: Covert Ops Facebook Application includes missions, mini-games and the ability to share achievements with Facebook friends.