Gamespy confirms next-gen middleware support

Gamespy has announced that it has received approval to join Sony Computer Entertainment's tools and middleware licensing programme, porting its online technology for implementation in PlayStation 3 software titles.

Currently implemented in over 300 PC, PS2, PSP and Nintendo DS titles, Gamespy's technology enables developers to include sophisticated online gameplay elements in their games, providing worldwide matchmaking and network functions, in addition to subscription-based gameplay.

The company is now able to deliver customised server processing, or 'persistence' to PlayStation 3 titles, and example of which can be seen in Majesco's recent PSP title, Infected, in which the game continues to move forward even when the player is offline.

Jamie Berger, VP and general manager of IGN Publisher Services (Gamespy's parent company) commented: "We are proud to continue to be a valued SCEI's tools and middleware licensee and look forward to accelerating the PlayStation 3 market success by speeding creation of terrific online titles."

"Since developers are already familiar with our technology and interfaces, including it in their titles should be quick, giving them more time to refine gameplay and take the best possible advantage of the PlayStation 3 platform," Berger added.

The PlayStation 3 console is due to launch worldwide in November, and will feature online gameplay as standard, in a similar fashion to the service currently offered by Microsoft for the Xbox 360 console.