ut3
Latest
Rein still hoping MS will allow UT3 user content
In an interview with Guardian Unlimited, Epic's head honcho Mark Rein talks everything and anything Unreal Tournament 3, specifically development on the 360 version.What we learn is that team Epic has had UT3 up and running buttery smooth on the 360 for a while now and that the only development left is Xbox Live implementation. And speaking of Xbox Live, Rein is still pressing Microsoft about UT3's user generated content and how best to serve it up. It's no secret that Rein and Epic want Microsoft to allow free, open access to map mods a la the PS3 version and it's no secret Microsoft has been reluctant. According to Rein, "Microsoft hasn't said "no" yet, but then they haven't said "yes" either", but development is wrapping up and Rein needs answers soon. It'll be interesting to see where these discussions end up, but our money is on Microsoft standing firm and only allowing DLC through the XBLM. We'll see free community generated UT3 content, but only stuff that has been hand seleceted, certified and placed on the Marketplace.[Via TeamXbox]
Watch this space, Epic Games plans to double in size
Having tired of rubbing actual elbows with fellow teammates, Epic Games' always verbose VP Mark Rein has confessed that he and his squad of developers have "pretty much run out of space" in the company's North Carolina base of operations, and that plans are well underway for an expansion to "at least" double the facility's current size. According to a report by North Carolina's News Observer, the devs coughed up a cool $1.57 million for the new office space, which will be positioned on a five-acre lot adjacent to Epic's current 31,000-square foot HQ.Headcount at Epic currently stands at 94, with current growth of around one new employee a month expected to continue for the next couple of years. So with all of this added space, will the developers get to spread out, and maybe quit knocking over each others' Mt. Dew as they reach for their mouse? Unlikely, as the report notes that the new facility will instead be largely used to house the numerous play testers that visit Epic, rather than have to rent out space down the street. We understand the need completely, though until the devs get additional space of their own we'd suggest judicious application of lids.
UT3's PS3 mod-cooker expected next week
Fire up those ovens and roll out the dough! Epic VP Mark Rein says he expects an update to the Unreal Engine 3 editor will be released next week, allowing Unreal Tournament 3 mod-makers to cook their PC mods into PS3-formatted delicacies. Some broader testing is necessary before the update's release, but Rein assures us that "the process works," given it was used to cook DM-Shrine, which was served to PS3 players free of charge a few weeks ago. Nothing like free food, eh – but are those PC chefs any good?[Via PS3 Fanboy]
Rumor: UT3 on Xbox 360, 90% complete
Considering it's due on the Mac in early 2008, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the on-again, off-again Xbox 360 port of Epic's Unreal Tournament III isn't "on hold" any longer, and may even be as far along as 90% complete – if we're to believe a scanned image from a German gaming magazine. Our German is a bit rusty (read: nonexistent) but the folks from MaxConsole are saying the release is expected sometime around April of next year.If accurate, that means the PS3 enjoys a four-or-so-month timed exclusivity, including the lucrative holiday season. Now, if only those pesky sales would pick up ... [Via X3F]
Rumor: UT3 almost complete, to release in April
The cool cats over at MAXCONSOLE dug up some dirt on Unreal Tournament 3 today and are reporting that this German magazine has some release date details. The German magazine "confirms" that UT3 for the Xbox 360 is about 90% complete and should make its way to retail shelves this Spring. April 2008 to be more specific. And we guess an April release doesn't seem all that far fetched seeing that the PS3 version of UT3 released earlier this month and would have a solid four month timed exclusive run. We also know that the 360 version has been in development alongside the PS3 version for a while now and that Epic should be getting back into the development swing of things after their holiday vacations. You know what? Meh to it all. Let's just wait for more concrete details before bustin' out the box of UT3 excitement. Agreed?[Via Evil Avatar]
First user created UT mod for PS3 released
The official PS3 "cooking" program that allows PC mods to work on the PS3 hasn't been released yet. But, that hasn't stopped Epic from taking things into their own hands. They converted Thomas Browett's DM-Shrine and made it available for PS3 play. Feel free to download it here or here.Unfortunately, the process of getting these levels to your system are a bit cumbersome. Provided you have some external USB memory card/stick (the PSP works well in this situation), you'll be able to transfer the files to your system. Be warned, however. You'll have to follow a specific directory layout in order to get this new level onto your machine. Hopefully, a more elegant in-game solution will be made available in the future.[Via Joystiq]
Unreal Tournament 3 gets first user-created map
Epic still hasn't finished up the tools that will allow modders to make their Unreal Tournament 3 maps work on the PS3, but they've taken it upon themselves to pick one from the PC community and "cook" the code so it could work on Sony's box. Players can now download DM-Shrine, made by English graphic designer Thomas Browett, here or here.The directions for getting it onto your PS3 (which we've lovingly placed after the jump) are not exactly user friendly, but shouldn't be too big of a hurdle. The one issue is that you are going to need someway to get it onto the system, either via a memory card or a USB memory stick. We know we're not game designers, and we think free content's great, but is there really no more elegant way of handling this?[Via 1UP]
Unreal Tournament III on Macs early 2008
Before you get to the one-button mouse jokes and the "Mac gamer is an oxymoron" diatribe, we just wanted to jump in and let any interested parties know (yeah, "both of them") that Unreal Tournament III is headed to the Mac OS X platform, courtesy of the portsmiths at MacSoft. It's not really a surprise, since they told us it was getting a native port back in July, but now that the game has dropped on the PC and PS3 they're sharing a time frame: "early 2008."Getting the game onto as many platforms as possible should help with those low sales, though we're not sure how many billions of copies the Mac gaming audience is going to scoop up. On the other hand, how about that on-hold 360 port?
Metareview: Unreal Tournament III (PS3, PC)
Unreal Tournament III sales may not be strong on the PC, but reviews have been positive for the latest installment in the frag-fest series. It appears outlets -- deviating from standard practice -- are trying to view the PC and PS3 versions under different lenses. The PC version (per usual) is the better option if you've got the rig to handle the Unreal Engine 3 game, but the PS3 version wasn't a toss-away port here. The reviews below are from the PS3 version of the UT3 reviews. IGN (90/100): "Players will find a few more differences with the PS3 version. While the recent 1.1 patch for PC streamlined the in-game menus and interface to a degree, you're stuck with the old menus in the PS3 version. Though they can at times be irritating, the often clunky menus really aren't that big a deal, especially when compared to UT3's fantastic gameplay. ... If you've never played Unreal Tournament before, this is a must-own game on PS3. It's still the most frantic, engrossingly intense first-person shooter formula out there and even after eight years still proves to be wildly entertaining." GameDaily (90/100): "The real significance with Unreal Tournament III on the PS3, however, is the Community support. For the first time in a console FPS, you're finally able to implement your own user-created mods – maps, modes, player creations – into the game. It's a feature that will no doubt take a lot of time and dedication. To devoted fans, however, it's a stellar inclusion. You're also able to receive messages, set up friend lists, seek out instant action matches and more. Unreal Tournament continues to live up to its name, and part three on the PS3 is just as thrilling as its PC counterpart. Never mind its shortened multiplayer count and lack of extra modes -- there's enough here to keep you fragging through the holidays." 1UP (80/100): "As for today, the arrival of Unreal Tournament 3 stands to be one of the highlights of the year for Net-connected PS3 owners. For many, this will be a fresh experience, lessening the impact of the modest mode options and lack of some fan favorites from prior versions. ... Whether or not you'll find a community playing this game in a year leads back to that earlier question of just how close PC and console gaming have become...and your response to Unreal Tournament 3 will help shape the answer. " %Gallery-4830%
Crysis sales in crisis; UT3 gets fragged too
Perhaps this can be considered a lesson for game developers eager to deliver tomorrow's game technology today: Crysis hit the PC market with an exoskeleton-enhanced thud. The critically praised -- but processing intensive -- title sold a disappointing 86,633 units in the States following its Nov. 13 release. Holding hands with Crysis is Epic's Unreal Tournament 3 which sold an even more disappointing 33,995 units following its Nov. 19 release. Although not a pixel pushing monster on the level of say, oh ... Crysis, the Unreal Engine 3 game is still a beast in an already crowded genre. At the very least UT3 will make up some sales with the recently released PS3 version and the future Xbox 360 version.We're ready for that Crysis console announcement whenever you are, EA.
Unreal Tournament developer doles out some tips
Unreal Tournament III finally gets released in the US tomorrow and one of its developers, Art Production Manager Chris Mielke, has posted some tips on the PlayStation.Blog. So if you're picking the game up at any point, make sure you take note of Chris' advice. While the main bulk of his post is a walkthrough of the level "Suspense" he also includes some random pearls of wisdom. Check out the blog post and try to osmose as much information as you can in readiness of tomorrow. We love the idea of developers coming online and giving tips about their upcoming titles. We've seen this before with "things to try" lists for demos and would be happy to see the trend continue. Not that there are many other games coming for the rest of the year - which is fine by us. We're swamped with all the great releases over the last two months.
Mark Rein excited about UT3 mods on PS3
The always talkative Epic Games VP Mark Rein is exuberant about the open system for downloading Unreal Tournament 3 mods for the PlayStation 3. "It's fantastic! I can't understand why people are so nervous about what Sony... no, Sony's wonderful," said Rein in a lengthy interview with Gamasutra. Rein also noted how this advantage is why the game landed on the PS3 first, before they resume Xbox 360 development next year.Rein also lauded the freedom in having an open system for mod downloads and stated that they will encourage modding through sponsored contests much like they have in the past (note: ironic to this situation, Rein's last name means "to restrain or control"). He did add, however, that they have an ability to "blacklist mods that do bad things." The two interviewers seemed befuddled by the freedom of the system, giving Rein more of a chance to assert his gospel. The next challenge for Epic is to try an accomplish that same openness on Microsoft's closed system Xbox Live. "They may or may not embrace it. We don't know," he said "That's why we've made the game for the PlayStation 3 first, because we knew exactly what the boundaries were going to be." Unreal Tournament 3 is due out December 10.
Midway announces UT3 ship date
Mark Rein has once again kept his word. After saying that we'd receive Unreal Tournament 3 before the year ends, last week, Rein proclaimed the game would be in stores as early as Dec. 11. Today, Midway confirmed that as it announced the game will be shipping to retailers on Dec. 10.After the unfortunate delays of The Orange Box and Haze, it's great that we'll have a decent FPS to look forward to this holiday season. We're pretty confident that, unlike EA and Valve, Epic will ensure its game runs as smoothly as possible on the PS3.
Unreal Tournament PS3 shipping in 'limited quantities' Dec. 10
Despite initial doubts, Midway has confirmed that the PlayStation 3 version of first-person twitchfest, Unreal Tournament III, will begin shipping to North American stores on December 10th, with "limited quantities" leaping onto shelves the following day. Initial supply has no doubt been hampered due to Epic's last-minute (some say miraculous) completion of the game, not to mention the fact that Bob the disc burner wanted to go on vacation like yesterday.In case you missed it during the Thanksgiving avalanche, Unreal Tournament III is already available for the "personal computer."
AGEIA to give UT3 modders a physical with PhysX mod kit
With consoles constantly encroaching on what used to be exclusively PC territory, it's refreshing to know that there are some things, such as mods, that remain the domain of those who prefer keyboard and mouse over thumbsticks. For example, while Epic's Unreal Tournament III will eventually find its way to gamers of both persuasions, it will be PC enthusiasts who enjoy the added benefit of mods, though word is that players will somehow be able to share mods between platforms. The latest mod tools for the game come from physics moguls AGEIA, who have announced plans to release a mod kit designed around the company's PhysX GPU processor, promising modders "everything they need to easily add PhysX-powered content into the UT3 universe." The kit, which will be available in December, will include additional tools, guides, tutorials and documentation and assets and examples on top of the game's existing mod tools.In addition, to show that it's serious AGEIA has also released a collection of "Extreme PhysX Mod Levels," which are now available and aim to demonstrate why we should all care about the PhysX processor. This collection includes the LightHouse and Tornado mod levels, the latter of which can be seen in video form here. More levels are promised, and while we can't say that this has driven us to brave the Black Friday crowds to lay down the geld for one of those cards, AGEIA no doubt hopes that players include PhysX cards on their shopping lists this holiday season.
Unreal Tournament 3 on PS3 has gone gold, likely due mid-December
PS3 owners can put their fears to rest: It looks likes you are going to get your hands on Unreal Tournament 3 before year's end. Epic's Mark Rein has just posted on the company's official forums: "We got news last night that Unreal Tournament 3 has been approved by SCEA and has been released to North American manufacturing."Now, the big question is when you or Santa (wink!) will be able to get your hot/gloved hands on it. Rein says Midway will have a formal announcement early next week, but he guessed they "will start shipping the title to North American retailers on Monday December 10th and it could show up in stores as early as December 11th, but more likely toward the middle of that week."Rein still isn't sure about PAL territories because of some localization issues. His best guess is that the the game will ship there in January or February.
PS Fanboy Wallpapers: Volume 10
Every week, PSP and PS3 Fanboy will bring you new backgrounds for your Sony consoles, in resolutions up to 1080p. Download them directly to your PS3 by accessing PS3 Fanboy on your system. Download PSP wallpapers directly to your PSP by accessing the site wirelessly at m.pspfanboy.com.This weekend, we're focusing on Epic's upcoming PS3 title Unreal Tournament III.
UT3's 360 development just postponed, will resume in '08
Epic's Mark Rein sometimes says one thing, then says another in a different way, then says he said what he said in the first place to be true, but just mistaken. And that's exactly what happened when Rein talked about development on the 360 version of Unreal Tournament 3 only starting in 2008.The merciless folks at Joystiq shot off an email to Mr. Rein to get more inside into the UT3 development drama after finding out that OXM already played the game on the 360 in light of the fact that Rein said the game was only starting development in 2008. Rein clarified his remarks and responded:"What I probably should have said was 'start working on it again.' We had the game up and running on all three platforms up until last spring. In fact Official Xbox Magazine came out and played the game for a great cover story they did on it. We stopped working on the 360 version so we could concentrate our efforts on shipping the various PC and PS3 versions. Once we get those out of the way, and take some time to enjoy the holidays with our friends and families, we'll start working on the 360 version again."There you have it. Xbox 360 UT3 has been in development, but is now in standby mode and will be picked up after the holidays. Clarification is a good thing.
Rein: Work on 360's Unreal Tournament III just on hold
We had a spot of confusion yesterday when Epic's Mark Rein was quoted in one piece as saying work hadn't started on the Unreal Tournament III 360 version. Meanwhile, another site was reporting that they'd already played it on 360. Now, Rein has explained to us that it's not that work on the 360 version hasn't started yet, it's just that it's on hold."What I probably should have said was 'start working on it again.' We had the game up and running on all three platforms up until last spring. In fact Official Xbox Magazine came out and played the game for a great cover story they did on it. We stopped working on the 360 version so we could concentrate our efforts on shipping the various PC and PS3 versions. Once we get those out of the way, and take some time to enjoy the holidays with our friends and families, we'll start working on the 360 version again. There's still a decent bit of work to do. For example we have simple LAN play but no Xbox Live implementation yet and we need to work with Microsoft to figure out how to accommodate mods on their platform."So take heart, 360 owners. While it may still be a while until you get your hands on the game, the wait won't be quite as excruciating as you thought.
Unreal Tournament 3 multiplayer powered by GameSpy
IGN and Epic sent word this morning that Unreal Tournament 3 will use GameSpy's online technology for multiplayer match ups. The announcement makes sense, given that GameSpy joined Epic's Integrated Partners Program in August, marrying the company's technology with Unreal Engine 3 and permitting cross-platform play across both the PC and PS3. According to a statement, both versions of UT3 will leverage off of GameSpy's tools for multiplayer matchmaking, in-game and out-of-game messaging, tracking players stats, VoIP messaging, and online ranking and leaderboards. However, while interoperability between the two versions of UT3 is expected, this still has not yet been confirmed. The game is currently earmarked on our calenders for release for the PC on November 19, while the PS3 version remains something of a mystery.[Via press release]
