Silicon Knights denies dropping Unreal Engine 3

Microsoft has taken the unusual step of publicly denying reports stating that Silicon Knights had abandoned the use of Unreal Engine 3 in its Xbox 360 title Too Human.

"Although we do not usually comment on speculation, rumours of Silicon Knights completely scrapping the Unreal Engine 3 on Too Human and massive delays for the Too Human product release are false," said Silicon Knights' Denis Dyack, who went on to add that work on the game was "progressing very well".

Rumours to the contrary first emerged late last week when Advanced Media Network, quoting unnamed sources, claimed that Silicon Knights had dropped Unreal Engine 3 due to performance issues. At the time the developer declined to comment, and until yesterday Microsoft had stuck to its line that it "does not comment on rumour or speculation".

While quite probably a one-off, the gaming press and consumers alike will be hoping that it's a sign Microsoft is relaxing its attitude toward providing comment on unverified reports after years of near-silence on a number of issues.

Unreal Engine 3, meanwhile, remains the basis of a number of highly anticipated Xbox 360 games. Along with Too Human, Bioware's Mass Effect and Epic Games' own Gears of War all take advantage of it, while it also forms the backbone of a number of PlayStation 3 and PC titles like Unreal Tournament 2007.