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Rumor: Crytek Hiring for MMO Project
We here at Massively like to keep our ear to the ground when it comes to potential new MMOs, and one of the indications that a company is moving in that direction comes from job wanted ads, believe it or not. Crytek, the makers of Far Cry and the Crysis series, recently put up a job posting for a Senior IT Manager that suggests they are looking into online gaming. ShackNews reported on this ad, noting that the company is looking for someone who would help in "designing, testing, and implementing as part of the development team, the systems infrastructure for an MMO online game." Ding ding ding, them are the magic words, so start the speculation. Of course, this may just be Crytek testing the waters and not a serious commitment on their behalf, especially considering that the mention of an MMO in this ad is only a small part of the responsibilities mentioned. ShackNews also noted that Crytek filed for three trademarks over a year ago: Gface, Carvatar, and Kingdoms. Whether or not these have anything to do with a possible MMO project is anyone's guess, but it is a tantalizing possibility. We'll be sure to keep a close eye on Crytek to see if they make any more moves toward an online title. One thing is for sure: if they did create a MMO, you can bet the letters "cry" will be part of the title.
Get your name or handle in Crysis 2 as graffiti
Look, we get it. You found a primo slab of stone that's just aching to have your name emblazoned all over it in big, funky letters. There's just one problem: it's illegal. So how about slapping your name or handle onto a virtual wall? That's what Crytek is offering 50 lucky winners in its latest game, Crysis 2. It's a Twitter-based contest, so you'll need to follow @Crysis and fire off the appropriate tweet below, given your region: UK: Hey @Crysis, I want you to put my name in the game! http://crys.is #Crysis2contestUK US/Canada: Hey @Crysis, I want you to put my name in the game! http://crys.is #Crysis2contestNA Germany: Hey @Crysis, Ich mochte meinen Namen im Spiel sehen! http://crys.is #Crysis2contestDE Act quickly, because the contest concludes on May 3. Oh how we can't wait to see all of the "Pothead McSmokesweeds" and "XxBlazingMad420zxXs" when we're running through a dilapidated New York city!
Ex-Free Radical (Crytek UK) working solely on Crysis 2 multiplayer
Despite earlier claims that Haze developer Free Radical (now Crytek UK) were working on an "original FPS" for its new overlord Crytek Studios, it appears that the UK-based studio is actually hard at work on Crysis 2's multiplayer component. In an interview with VG247, CEO Cevat Yerli revealed "several online functionalities" for the game, as well as the team behind said functionalities. "That is all they [Crytek UK] are doing, with a full team on it, and they are blasting forward at full speed with more focus and dedication than I've ever had before at Crytek." Jeez you two, get a room! Yerli unfortunately couldn't expand on the various types of multiplayer we'll find in Crysis 2 when it arrives later this year, though he did note that the team at Crytek UK will be "making the gameplay unique to both the console and PC versions." Presumably he means that in a sense greater than "The PC version has way, way prettier graphics."
Video interview: Crytek Executive Producer Nathan Camarillo, on Crysis 2
Crysis has long been the poster child of the PC gaming community. Still heralded as a technical benchmark for the platform, the first Crysis game exploited the power of PCs, going far beyond what consoles could initially offer. Crytek has managed to set another technical benchmark with Crysis 2, offering a similar experience on consoles. We spoke to Crytek's executive producer Nathan Camarillo on the process of transitioning to console development, and how that affected game development. Joystiq: Console gamers are likely to be unfamiliar with the story of the first Crysis. Will that put them at a disadvantage going into the second game? Nathan Camarillo: With Crysis 2, we're considering it in some ways a reboot of the franchise. But we're not starting over from scratch. There will be continuity between Crysis 1 and Crysis 2 for players who have played Crysis 1, but you don't need to have played it in order to understand what Crysis 2 is about. We're hoping that the story and gameplay is so compelling that people will be encouraged to try Crysis 1 after, but in no way is it a prerequisite. Why make the switch to consoles now? How do you address complaints from dedicated PC fans that are concerned about a "watered down" experience caused by multiplatform development? In actuality, our switch to focusing development to include consoles has strengthened the quality of game that we're making for Crysis 2, because it's allows us to look at, with a higher degree of scrutiny, what it is we're trying to do and how we go about accomplishing it. It's not "can we just do it on console?" Is it the best decision to make for the product? And can we do it on consoles and PC?
Impressions: Crysis 2
Download in HD from BigDownload The first Crysis is probably best known for its benchmark-setting graphics. Unfortunately, its PC exclusivity meant console gamers weren't able to discover the true beauty of the game: its nail-biting emergent gameplay, assisted by realistic AI, and a truly open world to explore. The Nanosuit endowed you with superhero tools that encouraged playing with the environment -- punching a tree to have it land on enemies, for example. But don't expect a large focus on the franchise's deep tactical combat today. Like its predecessor, it's easy to get caught up by the sheer spectacle that is Crysis 2. %Gallery-87383%
Crysis 2 screenshots look gorgeous (from a certain perspective)
You want to click this. Take a moment just to look at the first official Crysis 2 screenshots released by EA. Yep, stunning, aren't they? Unfortunately, they're not indicative of actual gameplay, considering the upcoming multiplatform title is a first-person shooter, not third. Still, we can't help but admire the incredible graphical fidelity of these screens. Most likely, these shots were taken from the PC version of the game, but we'll have a full report on the console versions of the game in April. Until then, feel free to spend some quality time in our gallery. %Gallery-87383%
OnLive demos Crysis on iPhone, expects to go to iPad
OnLive was at the DICE Summit in Las Vegas last week, where they showed their game streaming software running on the iPhone again. This time they had Crysis going, and apparently the demo ran "fast and smooth." The way they do it is to run the game and render it all on a fast computer somewhere, and then stream video to the iPhone while streaming controls back to the game itself. Of course a demo is just a demo, and actually running a game like that out in the real world is much tougher. But OnLive is convinced they can do it. And that's not all -- they also made mention of running their app on "tablets," which is a roundabout way of hinting that they'd like to do the same for the iPad. Now that is an intriguing opposition -- you wouldn't even need processing power for games on the iPad if you can run the software. If OnLive sets it up so you can stream on your local Wi-Fi connection (essentially using the iPad as a remote viewer/controller), then we might have something interesting here. Apple might be interested in that as well. Streaming heavyweight games from your Mac to the iPad? Yes, please. But of course, all OnLive has so far is a nice demo and some good ideas. We're still waiting to hear details of how they're going to bring out their streaming service, not to mention get it up and running on the iPhone. As soon as they let us know, we'll let you know.
Crysis 2 takes the crisis to New York
The supersuit-enhanced cat has officially leaped out of the bag, folks -- Crysis 2 will be set in New York City. According to a "World Exclusive" Twitter image of the next PlayStation: The Official Magazine's cover (partially seen above), the upcoming sequel plans to give players a chance to blast off the faces of "aliens invading NYC," employing the already teased "Nanosuit 2.0." As the Crysis 2 cover is set for the March issue of PTOM, we expect to start hearing more details on the sequel over the next few weeks as subscribers start getting their copies (and subsequently begin filling the internet with said details).
EA: Medal of Honor, Dead Space 2, Crysis 2 before March 2011
During EA's half-hour investor callstravaganza yesterday, CEO John Riccitiello unleashed a flurry of game titles set to be released in the company's "FIscal 2011." For EA, that falls anywhere between April 1, 2010 and March 30, 2011 -- a window that now holds the release of "a great new version of Medal of Honor, a revitalized Need for Speed, Sims on console, FIFA in a World Cup year, an innovative and new take on Madden, Dead Space 2, Crysis at full margins, a new MMA game, and many others." Considering this laundry list of games is getting little more than a 12-month window for release, we're taking the logical next step and throwing darts at images of the games on our cork-board calendar. According to our impeccable aim... everything is coming out in November. Not helpful! [Via Eurogamer]
MechWarrior: Living Legends mod gives Crysis' Nanosuit a run for its money
What's the best way to improve upon a suit that basically imbues its wearer with super powers? Give him a giant, badass robot to pilot instead -- and that's exactly what the MechWarrior: Living Legends mod for Crysis does. This full conversion mod transforms the game into something almost unrecognizable, complete with a unique story, mixture of first-person and sim gameplay and, more importantly, so so many giant robots. If you're looking for some more information on the ambitious mod, check out the official FAQ and clear some HDD space. The mod is in beta now so feel free to get in on the fun here. [Via Fidgit]
Crysis and Street Fighter IV round out today's Steam deals
Despite discounting games as part of its ongoing holiday sale event, Valve has seen fit to offer even more games at reduced prices, this time flipping the switch on massive discounts for triple-A titles like Street Fighter IV, which can be yours for $10, and Crysis Maximum Edition -- a bundle of Crysis and Crysis Warhead -- for under $14. That's not all, as your hard-earned greenbacks can also net you cheap digital copies of Medieval II: Total War, Half-Life: Source and Shattered Horizon -- though we'd be remiss if we didn't point out the very tempting combo of Darwinia and Multiwinia, both of which can be yours for $3.
OnLive shows off UI and iPhone use in marathon tech demo (video)
Sure, OnLive has already done live demos of its "cloud gaming" service, but it never hurts to get another comprehensive 48-minute video on the subject. In a presentation at Columbia University, CEO Steve Perlman goes over the nitty gritty of how game streaming works, the OnLive user interface (11:53), an inevitable Crysis Wars demo (16:35), Brag Clips (17:49), and of course the iPhone app (19:31). Though cellphone integration is still limited to primarily spectating and social networking functions, PCs and Macs can get gaming via a 1MB browser plugin, or you can grab the microconsole streaming box for your TV, which Steve suggests might be given away for free with OnLive subscriptions. If you have any more unanswered questions, check out the audience Q&A at 33:14, and the full vid awaits after the break.
OnLive technology demonstrated at Columbia University
You might want to go ahead and put on your thickest, darkest sunglasses, because you're about to be blinded with science. OnLive founder and CEO Steve Perlman recently showed off the game-streaming technology's applications to a group of students at Columbia University in New York. Yeah, sure, you can be jealous of their rare opportunity, but take solace in the fact that access to this opportunity probably cost them $35,000 a year. GamertagRadio snagged a video of the event, which we've embedded after the jump. It's awfully long -- feel free to jump to the 12-minute mark to check out the OnLive user interface, and the 17-minute mark to see the iPhone's social networking functionality.
Crysis and Crysis Warhead just $15 on Steam this weekend
If you actually possess the fungible assets required to purchase a government-grade supercomputer -- you know, the kind with an actual human brain built right into it -- then we imagine you don't concern yourself too much with time-sensitive discounts. Still, we thought we'd bring this to your attention: If you own an impossibly powerful computing device, you can buy Crysis or Crysis Warhead on Steam this weekend for just $15 a piece. Well, you can buy them regardless of your computer's hardware specs -- but if you hope you play them, you better think about investing in some cerebral processing power.
Crysis LIVE! aims to bring the game into the real world
Ever since Crysis released, we've found our life lacking in two distinct ways: We totally want a Nanosuit of our own and would do close to anything for one We wish Jason Statham was our squadmate in real life and often daydream about being stranded on a tropical island with him While the second option is likely never going to happen without some jail time attached to it, the first item is actually a possibility for those willing to travel to Nottingham, UK next month. On October 29 - 30, Crytek UK will section off an area and create "a real-life tropical jungle, complete with exotic flora and fauna" for folks to take part in a real life version of the PC game. In fact, those attending will even be able to try on an actual Nanosuit and, somehow, become invisible while playing this real-life version of the PC title. Crytek UK's Narrative Designer, Rob Yescombe, describes the game as "Hide and Seek for the 21st Century – good old fashioned fun but with a Crytek UK twist." Who's going?[Via Big Download]
OTOY uses AMD GPUs, black magic to put Crysis on iPhone
No need to dust off your spectacles -- Crysis on the iPhone has been achieved. Just last week we took a peek at the graphical enhancements on the iPhone 3GS, but this demonstration didn't rely on the factory goods from Apple. Instead, a recent OTOY demonstration put to use some of AMD's newest GPU technology in order to play back one of the leading-edge 3D titles on a smartphone. In short, OTOY renders the game on remote servers and then sends information to a recipient; needless to say, an HDTV displayed all sorts of artifacts, but on a screen that's just a few inches large, those flaws become invisible. So, is this really the killer app to supplant Apple's own App Store for gaming on the iPhone? We get the feeling OTOY needs at least few clean-cut commercials with little-known underground music before they can bank on that.[Via SlashGear]
OTOY: The game streaming service you've never heard of
While OnLive and Gaikai continue to hog the game-streaming spotlight, few are talking about the third option that people will have for server-based gaming: OTOY. And that's likely because the company (of the same name) behind the technology hasn't been exactly forthcoming with details -- even the official website has nothing more than the "Soon" image you see above. Ars Technica recently got a chance to check out the service in action, pushing graphical monster Crysis to an iPhone with reportedly good results. The service is still in its infancy, as demonstrated by a TechCrunch hands-on video we've dropped after the break, but shows a lot of potential. Considering OnLive's currently holding its public beta in North America and Gaikai's kicking off a private beta in Europe late this month, we hope OTOY decides to start getting vocal soon. We're all ears!
Crytek's CryEngine in UK classrooms
Students of video game design in the United Kingdom should be doing back flips after hearing that Crytek is donating their CryEngine free of charge to all universities in the country. CryEngine is most famously known as the graphics engine behind visually stunning titles such as Crysis and Aion.This is really big news because only the priciest universities tend to license high quality software for their students to learn on. They're the only ones that can afford it. It's also great for students to dream up pie in the sky concepts for games, but knowing what's practical in the real world is essential. "Universities are looking to foster creativity and send people out into the industry who have lots of ideas, but it's also about that practical hands-on training so that they know what the limitations are," says Managing Director of Crytek UK Karl Hilton. "It's very easy for students to come out of the academic world and not have a grasp on the realities of making a video game."We hope more MMOs are released with CryEngine due to its stellar performance and scalability and it would be great if other graphics engine companies followed suit to increase the options in our genre.
Crytek teases Crysis 2's new Nanosuit
Crytek has released a pair of teaser trailers for Crysis 2's Nanosuit 2, the new and improved version of the first game's human enhancer, via a viral site for Crynet Systems, the manufacturers of the fictitious suit. Taking the viral approach even further, there's also a 16-page PDF brochure advertising the suit you could never afford. Did you know that the tech actually introduces parasitic lifeforms into the wearer's brain to aid in real-time combat analysis? Has Crynet Systems learned nothing from Kirk's epic battle against Khan?There's also an alternate version of the above video that features a more, uh, blue look at the new threads. Head past the break to check that one out.[Via Big Download]
Crytek road map has next generation starting in 2012, next engine will be ready
A running theme through Crytek CEO Cevat Yerli's presentation at GDC Europe today was the number 2012. Sure, he mentioned 2013 also, but the next Year of the Tiger showed up nearly a dozen-plus times in the executive's presentation about "the future of gaming graphics." Yerli tells Joystiq that the reason for the number is that it's the company's internal "road map" of when the next generation will begin. "We will have our next engine ready by that, independently whether there will be hardware or not. We are assuming based on the cycle -- the Moore's Law -- and everything," Yerli told us. "If you predict the computational power and trend. You kinda know how much CPU and GPU will be there and trend. If you take those things into account you can sort of predict where things are going." Yerli explained that the more console-centric CryEngine 3 will have more updates in the meantime, but its next "major architectural version" of the CryEngine should be ready by 2012. He wasn't sure if they'll call it the CryEngine 4 (our money says: they will). [Image: Dennis Stachel]
