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Fractiv tells the tale of Project Offset, launches new website
The story of Project Offset doesn't have a happy ending (not yet, at least). Several years ago, Offset Software began developing Project Offset, a fantasy FPS built from the team's impressive, proprietary Offset engine. The technology was so impressive, in fact, that Intel bought the studio in early 2008 with the intention of using Project Offset to showcase its new Larrabee graphics tech. Things were looking good ... until Intel's corporate strategy changed and the company decided to abandon the project and disband the team two years later. Now Intel owns the Project Offset name as well as the Offset engine, putting the Offset team's new company, Fractiv, firmly back at square one. Former Offset Software founder and current head of Fractiv, Sam McGrath, tells the whole story to Big Download -- just make sure you've got your box of tissues handy. Looking forward, Fractiv has released Lane Splitter on the App Store, with an Android version also in the works. The company's next project, an action RPG with a Old West theme called The Gunsmith (pictured), is currently in development for iOS and Android, with PC and console versions "being considered." Read more about The Gunsmith and check out additional screens at Fractiv's new website.
Red 5's Offset-powered MMO still in the cards
The future of Project Offset may look grim -- what with the team disbanded and its founders creating a new startup -- but it looks like the Offset Engine will live on. Red 5 Studios, which has been working on an MMO powered by the Offset Engine (concept art can be seen above) for the last several years, has informed Gamasutra that its project is still in the works, despite the Offset-related shenanigans at Intel. "While we are using a highly-modified version of the Project Offset engine," a representative said, "the closing of the Intel team does not impact our ability to complete our own project." Very little is actually known about the project, though Red 5 itself was founded by former World of Warcraft team members. The studio ran into trouble earlier this year, reportedly laying off nearly 30 employees. Shortly thereafter, the majority stake of Red 5 was acquired by The9, the company once responsible for running World of Warcraft in China.
Red 5 still planning on making their MMO [Updated]
You have to give Red 5 Studios credit for tenacity, if nothing else. When they initially announced their connection with Intel via licensing the Offset Engine, the plan was to use Red 5's upcoming fantasy MMO, codenamed Project Offset, to showcase Intel's high-end Larrabee processors. However, last month, Intel decided to scrap their plans for the Offset Engine, and redirect the Larrabee processor towards more business-type uses. Meanwhile, despite Red 5 having financial difficulties requiring a layoff of staff, they're continuing on. This is all thanks, in large part, to China's The9, who have stepped in to give them a $20 million infusion of cash in exchange for a majority stake in their company. While some startup studios might fold after a series of large setbacks like this, word is that development on Project Offset continues, according to a story on Gamasutra. Only now, it's running on a "highly modified" version of the original Intel Offset Engine, giving this graphics intensive first-person MMO life. While details are still thin as ever beyond the game being a fantasy title, we hope that this newest partnership with The9 coupled with the recent infusion of cash helps their studio get back on track. [Update: We've received word from Red 5 that they have no relationship to the canceled Project Offset, but they are still using a highly modified Offset Engine to continue their work on their own game.]
Project Offset viral campaign unearthed
Okay, let's get a few things clear. One, Project Offset is a team-based FPS set in a fantasy universe. Two, that is one mean looking crocodile beasty thing. Three, said beasty is wearing a saddle, so you must be able to ride it. In short, it's awesomeness on a stick. On ... a ... stick. The Project Offset website hasn't been officially updated since October of last year, so we were pretty damned excited when we found out about a new viral campaign. According to VE3D, the viral site is recording unique IP addresses. When a certain number is reached, a new image becomes available. So, get to it fanboys! Together, we can crack this thing wide open![Via VE3D]
