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OpenGL 4.0 arrives, brings more opportunities for general purpose GPU action
What's a Game Developers Conference without some sweet new tools for developers to sink their teeth into? Khronos Group, the association behind OpenGL, has today announced the fourth generation of its cross-platform API spec, which takes up the mantle of offering a viable competitor to Microsoft's DirectX 11. The latest release includes two new shader stages for offloading geometry tessellation from the CPU to the GPU, as well as tighter integration with OpenCL to allow the graphics card to take up yet more duties off the typically overworked processor -- both useful additions in light of NVIDIA's newfound love affair with tessellation and supposed leaning toward general purpose GPU design in the Fermi chips coming this month. Lest you don't care that much about desktop gaming, OpenGL ES (Embedded Systems, a mobile offshoot of OpenGL) is the graphics standard on "virtually every shipping smart phone," meaning that whatever ripples start on the desktop front will be landing as waves on your next superphone. If that holds true, we can look forward to more involvement from our graphics chips beyond their usual 3D duties and into spheres we tend to care about -- such as video acceleration. Now you care, don't ya?
GDC 2010: From concept to Top Paid with Unity iPhone
Unity Technologies hosted the sponsored lunch panel during GDC 2010 today, and their "product evangelist" Tom Higgins gave a quick rundown of the software platform that enables developers to assemble and release games extremely quickly on multiple platforms. The company was actually founded in Denmark, but has since expanded around the world with just two products: Unity Pro and Unity iPhone Pro. The second product, as you might imagine, allows developers to put together an application that can then be exported out into an Xcode project and released on the App Store. Higgins said that they've had over 90,000 people download the software since it was released for free last fall, and that more than 500 games in the App Store were authored by Unity. He also ran a short demo of the software at the panel. While some of the coding got a little technical (the system allows you to create and change variables on in-game objects even while the game is running in the engine), the coolest feature was the way they simulated iPhone controls: by using a real iPhone as a remote. They've released a free app on the App Store that will connect via Wi-Fi with a copy of the development tool running on your Mac, and as you touch and turn the iPhone, the editor reacts, and sends the (slightly lower resolution) output to the iPhone's screen. You can also make changes to your code as the game runs in that mode, so you can be playing and coding at the same time.
GDC 2010: Ngmoco explains how Eliminate was built
As they explained during the presentation, they had a heck of a goal with this project: they wanted to put together "the definitive FPS for iPhone," complete with all of the functions of a standard console deathmatch-style FPS, in just five months with just three engineers. And they started with the toughest nut of all: the networking code.
Palm unleashes webOS PDK beta on the public
If you've been looking to get in on some of that red hot game development action that Palm's been all about lately, check it out: among the announcements at this year's GDC, Palm has announced the release of its public beta PDK for webOS. This bad boy promises to let devs "use C and C++ alongside the web technologies that power the SDK and mix them seamlessly within a single app," just the thing for porting game titles to the webOS platform. And it's available now! Hit the source link to get started -- and maybe someday we'll finally get to play Mr. Jelly on our Pixi. We can dream, right? [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
GDC attendees getting free Droid or Nexus One, perfect for Palm's training session
Unless you're press or a booth worker, major industry trade shows can be educational, enlightening, relaxing... dare we say even fun events that actually don't fill you with dread at their mere mention. Of course, the trade-off is that you (or your employer, if you're lucky) are then responsible for fronting the hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars that organizations command for passes to those events. So what do you get in return apart from a few days of schmoozing with some of the most important people in your line of work and the opportunity to play with cool stuff and steal as many promotional pens and USB sticks as you possibly can? In the case of GDC this March, attendees who sign up for either the Mobile / Handheld Summit, the iPhone Summit, or the Independent Games Summit will be gifted with their choice of a Droid or Nexus One, representing the hottest, latest Android gear from Motorola and HTC, respectively -- potentially prime targets for the yet-to-be-tapped 3D gaming market on the platform. With Palm onsite, it should make for some interesting dynamics -- but then again, they're giving these things to people at an event called the "iPhone Summit," for crying out loud.
Palm suddenly means business with games, heading to GDC this year
That was a quick turnaround, wasn't it? Palm wasted no time in retailing 3D games that are as visually engaging as the best the iPhone has to offer just as soon as it made the big announcement back at CES, and now it's taking things to the next level by heading out to GDC in San Francisco this March. The Game Developers Conference is -- as gaming goes, anyway -- what you'd call a Big Deal, so the fact that Palm is leading a session there to educate interested parties in its Plug-in Development Kit is a promising sign that these guys are taking the concept of webOS as an entertainment platform very, very seriously. Of course, it would've been nice to see this kind of drive about a year ago -- but better late than never.
Game Developers' Conference to include iPhone Games Summit track
Macworld reports that the 2010 Game Developers' Conference will include an 8-class track on iPhone games. The iPhone Games Summit, which takes place over two days, replaces an older format where panels on the iPhone were mixed in with those on gaming for other mobile platforms or independent development. Classes appear to be aimed toward niche development ("A Big Dash of Success: How to Capture the Female iPhone Gamer") and utilizing social networking and multiplayer capabilities for iPhone games. The two most interesting classes to me is a case study of one company's year in the App Store and a class aimed at covering the finer points of the iPhone contract. Given that this is their first year, it'll be interesting to see how these are attended and what changes they make next time around as well. The Game Developers' Conference will be held March 9-13 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.
Vuzix dips toes in augmented reality, makes video eyewear cool again
Nintendo ain't the only company making waves at the Game Developers Conference this year -- oh no, we've also got Vuzix gettin' down and dirty with a brand new addition to its video eyewear segment. Said outfit has teamed up with metaio in order to showcase a new Augmented Reality Accessory Kit for the VR920 head-mounted display. The bundle will include the CamAR -- a clip-on USB camera that is designed to accurately track objects and the user's position in three-dimensional space -- along with the PhasAR wireless augmented reality input controller. When these are used in unison, users are able to simultaneously see what's going on in the Matrix and in the display. For instance, imagine reading a book that's tied into a program on the VR920; as you read along, images can pop up and complement the text. Far out, right? The full release is after the break, and we've been told that the attachment should sell for around $100 on top of the $399 VR920 when it ships around mid-Summer.
X3F is going to GDC
You'll be able to hear more about it once the latest Fancast goes up, but we thought it best to let our readers know that we're headed to the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. We'll have lots of coverage throughout the week, including first hand looks at games like Shadowrun, Mass Effect, Blue Dragon, and Fable 2. We'll also have a chance to talk with developers of upcoming Live Arcade games, and maybe even a few Microsoft executives. So, keep your eyes on 360 Fanboy this week, as we should have some really great content in store for everyone. Also, don't forget to check in on Joystiq, as they're sure to have coverage of all those other consoles, too.
512MB memory card and exciting XBLA news
It looks like that silly rumor was true as Microsoft just announced a bigger memory card for the Xbox 360. The new 512MB Xbox 360 memory card will be available April 3rd, will retail for $49.99, and for a limited time will come pre-loaded with Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved. Simultaneously, the ancient 64MB memory card will drop in price to $29.99 (be on the lookout for clearance prices). Also, with the announcement of the new 512MB card, the XBLA size limit will be raised from 50MB to 150MB allowing developers to run wild with their creativity. Microsoft also announced that they'll be showcasing XBLA titles Boom Boom Rocket, 3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures, Eets: Chowdown, Jetpac Refuelled, and Pinball FX at GDC. Check out the full press release after the break. So, after reading that informative spiel what is your gut reaction? We definitely agree with raising the XBLA size limit to 150MB and find the 512MB memory card to be a much better deal than the old 64MB version. And for curiosity's sake, is there anyone out there who just purchased a 64MB memory card and is kicking themselves?
Detailed Fable 2 info coming at GDC
This year's Game Developers Conference kicks off in March and it looks like we'll get the insider dish on Lionhead's Fable 2. GWN.com dugg up information on the GDC's conference sessions and found one on Fable 2 hosted by Peter Molyneux. We double checked this information and located a GDC session called "Innovations in Fable 2" hosted by Peter and starting on March 8th. The description says that the "talk will centre around revolutions in Fable 2." and "will examine how key game play elements have been refined and expanded". Will we finally get every last detail on Lionhead's highly anticipated sequel? Will we get to see actual gameplay videos? Will Molyneux start the hype machine and over promise on all levels? We don't have any answers now, but we know that there will be some Fable 2 information coming out of GDC ... how much is still unknown.[Thanks, Jonah]
Killzone 2: to be or not to be... at the Game Developer's Conference
One place says Killzone 2 will be at GDC while another source gets told that no, in fact, Killzone 2 won't be at GDC at all. Who to trust? It's a tough call, since we reported on a pretty lofty rumor stating that a demo for the new game may just make an appearance at the Game Developer's Conference. After going over the two linked stories above, you may think that, indeed, IGN has the correct story. They spoke with Sony, after all, right? But, CVG has "well-placed sources!" This is turning into more and more of a big deal, but it really shouldn't. If it's there, neat. If not, well, damn.Now is the time for all of the beautiful readers out there to think about the two conflicting ideas presented here and discuss them in a rational, logical, adult manner. Personally, I'd like to believe the game will still make an appearance. It's not like Sony would try to hide its trump card, right?
Look out, Nintendo -- the N-Gage is coming (again)
Since failing in a spectacular fashion is so much fun that they wanted to do it again, Nokia is gunning hard for their second generation N-Gage, according to UK site Pocket Gamer. If you haven't been following the story, this time Nokia's not attempting to make a dedicated handheld-phone hybrid, but rather a platform for gaming that can be used with their N-series smart phones. Is that a better recipe for success? It will depend on the execution, of course, but apparently Nokia's been meeting with some big developers lately and they have plans to reveal the platform at next month's Game Developers Conference.They are, obviously, fixing some of last round's mistakes; if there's no dedicated handheld and the service is supported by downloadable games, then gamers will have no reason to complain about having to completely dismantle the device just to change games. On the other hand, we figure it's probably safe to assume that most gamers with smart phones already have a handheld they love and cherish, so at best this may free up a pocket. What do you think, DS gamers? While a download service would certainly be a nice thing to have on our handheld (we're looking at you, Virtual Console), is the new N-Gage platform a threat to our dual-screened beauty?
GDC to host Miyamoto keynote
We don't want to alarm anyone, but Nintendo's own Shigeru Miyamoto will be coming to San Francisco this march to conduct a keynote at the Game Developers Conference. Before anyone gets the wrong impression about this and rushes to Wal-Mart for some poster board in an attempt to be internet famous, please, don't. It makes for fantastic blogging fodder to be sure, but lets spare the development community what should be reserved for the internets.As his first GDC keynote since 1999, Miyamoto's appearance could possibly be the most popular event at the conference. It's not indicated exactly as to what Mario's papa will be talking about beyond "the creative process behind his work on highly-regarded software as well as his thoughts on new Nintendo hardware", his keynote is titled "A Creative Vision." Maybe if we're all good boys and girls, he'll drop less "bombs" and clue us in on the secret of the DS printing money.
Sign up and get involved with the Experimental Gameplay Workshop
Are you sick of the same ol' World War II shooter? Have enough of the clichéd role-playing hero? Want more innovation and gaming as art like Katamari Damacy and Shadow of the Colossus? Now is your time. Join the Experimental Gameplay Workshop, which is hosted at the Game Developer's Conference in San Francisco. You can check out what they accept and reject on their website. Interestingly, they don't deal with "edgy" material (probably something completely stupid to think of, like playing as a rapist or something else unspeakably "edgy") which is probably for the best. What they do look for are more open-ended gameplay mechanics -- linearity is a thing of the past, ostensibly. It all seems so interesting! I'd love to try my hand at offering some ideas, but I live way too far from San Francisco to think about it. So go ahead, submit yo'self, or leave a couple of your fleeting ideas here and we'll talk about them.
Developers still waiting for keys to PS3
In a recent interview, GDC head Jamil Moledina reiterated developers' hesitancies to begin working on PlayStation 3 projects. "A lot of the developers I know are waiting out on the first round and focusing on handhelds," Moledina told GamesIndustry.biz.From Moledina's perspective, Sony is at fault, unable to provide needed support to third-party developers. But as first-party studios gain experience with the Cell, knowledge will inevitably spread throughout the industry. "I'm generally optimistic about the platform's prospects," Moledina opined. In other words, the GDC boss is giving it a year.
GDC conference organizers drop the ball [update 2]
This is a brief list of some of the quality issues that I noticed plaguing the Game Developer's Conference held in San Jose and ended on Friday. It seems that nobody really talks about these things, perhaps because they're simply grateful that there's any GDC at all. Well, I'm also grateful for GDC, but that doesn't mean it's immune from criticism. I should note that my beefs here are primarily informed by my perspective as a blogger covering the convention. We're sure that developers, publishers, recruiters and other major GDC constituent groups have their own issues. We encourage submission of other issues in the comments, below. If you prefer to send something anonymously, use our tips form located at http://www.joystiq.com/tips/. [Image at right is from www.demotivation.com. The caption reads, "Mediocrity: it takes a lot less time and most people won't notice the difference until it's too late."] In no particular order, gripes follow.
Rumor: Capcom Studio 8 (Maximo) shut down
If the word of a former Capcom employee can be believed, it looks as if the publisher's shut down Capcom Studio 8, its U.S. development house, leaving 20 people out of a job.Studio 8 was best known for its Maximo remakes for the PS2--Maximo: Ghosts to Glory and Maximo vs. Army of Zin. Unfortunately, a poor performance with its latest retro retread, Final Fight: Streetwise, has apparently done the studio in with the higher-ups.According to GameSpot, this means the end of the Maximo series (and obviously the end of the Streetwise one). A Capcom rep only had this to say in response: "Capcom does not comment on day-to-day operations." If this story's true, we hope those kids can find a new employer, possibly at the Game Developers Conference that's currently taking place in CA.See also: Final Fight Streetwise interview Final Fight: Streetwise looking for a little respect FF:S loses respect with metascores in the 40s (for the PS2 and Xbox) BioWare opens Austin studio for new MMO [so bring resumes to GDC]
Chris Grant co-host on Gaming Steve podcast
Joystiq's very own Christopher Grant is not only posting from the 2006 Game Developers Conference, he's also starring in a podcast.Okay, so technically he's just co-hosting an episode of an ongoing podcast with Gaming Steve, but you can't miss this opportunity to hear Chris's laid-back, sweetly smooth voice. (There are reports that Chris also sounds somewhat like a stoner, but we wouldn't be able to tell you what those kind of people sound like anyway, so what can we say?)As for the podcast itself, Chris and Steve go into the events of the last day, enthusiastically sharing about Microsoft's bloggers breakfast with Peter Moore (inset), Phil Harrison's PS3 keynote, what the new Battlestar Galactica might have to do with games, and everything else that they saw in San Jose. And, hey, maybe if we're lucky, we'll get another guest Joystiqer co-hosting with Steve today. More from GDC as we get it...See also: Direct download link for the podcast in question [55 minute-long MP3] Gaming Steve's "Day 3" report on GDC 2006 [where we got the pic] Joystiq @ GDC: In the beginning... [w/a little bloggers breakfast info] GDC: The PS3 keynote blow by blow
GDC: Games to tackle abortion, obesity, ADD, and wall climbing
MTV's Stephen Totilo reports on big ideas coming out of the annual Game Developers Conference. Forget the next-gen hoopla expected from Sony and Nintendo later this week, yesterday was all about "Serious Games." Take, for example, an abortion game being developed by Georgia Tech's Experimental Game Lab, where mini-games range from "find a condom" to balancing your reputation with friends, your baby's health and your future earning power. Georgia Tech's Ian Bogost claims that the game's real innovation is its ability to present multiple angles of an issue. The game is designed to change depending on a given player's biases. So, if a player is shown to express pro-life tendencies, the game will stress the importance of personal responsibility and adoption.Also on tap were presentations that featured GPS-enabled cell phone games that encourage obese youths to actively explore their neighborhoods while hunting for virtual prizes, technology that monitors players' brainwaves and rewards those that are paying attention, and a climbing wall that doubles as a game controller.
