BioWare gets MMOG middleware
Developer's new Austin studio signs on as first licensee for Simutronics' HeroEngine for use in its debut title.
Middleware is a growing field in gaming. Whether it's a program designed to handle one aspect of a game really well (the foliage-generating SpeedTree or the Havok physics engine) or a more broadly applicable tool (Epic Games' Unreal engine), there's a growing market for applications that relieve developers of certain game-development burdens.
In the latest big-name middleware deal, Simutronics today announced that it has licensed its HeroEngine massively multiplayer online role-playing game tool to BioWare. The program, which can be used by developers for everything from game design to billing players, is at the heart of Simutronics' own Hero's Journey MMO game, set for release in 2007.
The Edmonton, Alberta-based BioWare licensed the HeroEngine for use in the first title from its new satellite studio, BioWare Austin. Simutronics claims that the HeroEngine can cut two years of technology development time off of licensee schedules, allowing them to get games onto shelves in half the time.
Typically BioWare develops its own engines for its games in-house, although this is not the first time it has taken the middleware route. The company has licensed Unreal Engine 3 for use in its upcoming Xbox 360 sci-fi action role-playing game, Mass Effect.
48 Comments
-
AgentPix
-
Antinate
-
wallydog63
-
elfman27
-
comthitnuong
-
SavoyPrime
-
Ghost777
-
Hot_Potato
-
Najikill
-
Yuck_Too
-
ch3rub
-
freeid
-
GFofgaming
-
panquecas
-
kittencrusher
-
soulknight63133
-
The-AirHendrix-
-
ch3rub
-
kambion313
-
Ghost777
-
SorrowsFlame
-
K1LLSWITCH
-
VegetaMaelstrom
-
spydrman5472
-
sSubZerOo
-
guynamedbilly
-
Chainblast
-
Valen_Ca
-
Blazer88
-
gonzalezj1
-
OmegaDarkKnight
-
spaceghost_me
-
ExcAREentric
-
trjc
-
ultrazone
-
noxian
-
lordseer
-
hemakm3
-
chikahiro94
-
rokkuman09
-
blackIceJoe
-
Banana_Kid
-
peon123
-
Xendercide
-
bacomonk
-
MB_E102
-
Bert7
-
ryokinshin6x3
Content you might like…
Users who looked at this article also looked at these content items.
Subscribe to GameSpot's YouTube Channel
Hot Stories
Newsmakers
-
Mortal Kombat developer to diversify in 2012
NetherRealm creative director Ed Boon says there's an "assumption" another Mortal Kombat game to come, but wants to work on new IPs on multiple formats, genres. Full Story
- Posted Jan 30, 2012 8:17 am PT
- 59 Comments
Featured Stories
-
Star Wars: The Old Republic denounced for gay relationships
Family Research Council says BioWare has "gone to the dark side" with promise to include same-gender romance in MMO game. Full Story
- Posted Jan 30, 2012 10:46 am PT
- 507 Comments
-
No new Xbox in 2012 - Microsoft
Company's French marketing manager says Microsoft not ready to roll out new console this year, won't compete with Nintendo and the Wii U. Full Story
- Posted Jan 30, 2012 9:51 am PT
- 358 Comments
-
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning online pass unlocks seven quests
New copies of 38 Studios' fantasy RPG come bundled with code to download House of Valor faction questline; studio says it was "always intended" to be DLC. Full Story
- Posted Jan 27, 2012 2:53 pm PT
- 345 Comments
-
Sony sweetens PS Vita 3G deal
$300 version of new handheld will now include free 8GB memory stick, PSN game, AT&T 3G data plan access; $350 First Edition preorders to receive just the PSN game and data plan. Full Story
- Posted Jan 27, 2012 2:24 pm PT
- 243 Comments
-
Nintendo considering new name for Wii U - Report
Underwhelming reaction and concerns of customer confusion supposedly have the Mario maker weighing its options for a rebranding before this year's E3. Full Story
- Posted Jan 27, 2012 11:12 am PT
- 510 Comments
Related Game
Star Wars: The Old Republic
Follow for the latest news, videos, & tips from experts & insiders
- Publisher(s): Electronic Arts
- Developer(s): BioWare
- Genre: Role-Playing
- Release: Dec 20, 2011 (US) »






