New Virtools 4.0 Solution for "PSP ®" (PlayStation®Portable) Game Development
Posted by: GameDev.net Contributor at December 6, 2006 4:31:44 PM
Dassault Systèmes (DS) (Nasdaq: DASTY; Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA), a world leader in 3D and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, today announced the availability of a new Virtools solution dedicated to game title development for "PSP ®" (PlayStation®Portable).
Benefiting from the versatility of the Virtools platform, this complete solution for “ PSP ®” with dedicated support and consulting throughout the game creation, will allow faster and easier developments.
Indeed Virtools framework brings together a GUI with graphical and text scripting and debug tools, APIs such as the behavior and render engines, as well as asset integration plug-ins. This framework, now extended to deployments on the “ PSP ®”, offers flexibility and performance.
The recent release of Konami's Online Chess Kingdoms on the “ PSP ®” , developed by Leviathan Games, is a proof of Virtools technology performance:
“Online Chess Kingdoms presented some major challenges – more than we may think when comparing with a traditional chess video games. We applaud the end result produced by our partner Leviathan Games. We're now looking forward to demonstrating our newly available solutions for the “PSP ®” to studios and publishers interested in high quality titles developed smarter” said Virgile Delporte, VP Electronic Entertainment for Virtools.
«Thanks to Virtools solutions for the “PSP ®” and the permanent support we received throughout the game development, we were able to build a superior product in a shorter development timeframe with a very limited team. We had to write just a bit of custom code to integrate third party libraries for AI and turn-based multiplayer technology. The performance of the Virtools engine on the “PSP ®” ended up being outstanding. » commented Wyeth Ridgway, President and CTO of Leviathan Games.
Studios interested in a direct meeting about the “PSP ®” solution at the Game Connection (Lyon, December 5-6-7) are invited to contact us directly.
"PlayStation" and “PSP” are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
About Virtools
Acquired by Dassault Systèmes in mid-2005, Virtools is the leading provider of comprehensive software solutions for building highly interactive 3D life-like applications. Virtools 3D real-time technologies and solutions are used in a wide variety of applications such as simulation of product usage, ergonomic testing, creating the shopping experience, training scenarios, right through to branding, advertising and web marketing applications. Virtools clients include industry leaders such as France Telecom, l’Oréal, Matsushita, Procter & Gamble, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Renault, Sony Computer Entertainment, Ubisoft and Warner Bros Online.
As a world leader in 3D and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, the Dassault Systèmes group brings value to more than 90,000 customers in 80 countries. A pioneer in the 3D software market since 1981, Dassault Systèmes develops and markets PLM application software and services that support industrial processes and provide a 3D vision of the entire lifecycle of products from conception to maintenance. The Dassault Systèmes portfolio consists of CATIA for designing the virtual product - SolidWorks for 3D mechanical design - DELMIA for virtual production - SIMULIA for virtual testing and ENOVIA for global collaborative lifecycle management, including ENOVIA VPLM, ENOVIA MatrixOne and ENOVIA SmarTeam. Dassault Systèmes is listed on the Nasdaq (DASTY) and Euronext Paris (#13065, DSY.PA) stock exchanges.
"New Virtools 4.0 Solution for "PSP ®" (PlayStation®Portable) Game Development" Discussion
KilvarnMember since: 2/26/2004
Posted - 12/7/2006 7:30:45 PM
It sure would be nice if Virtools would make an Indie version of their software. I have watched this product for years and it seems to be out of reach except for the big developers with deep pockets. Any thoughts on this?
Emmanuel DelogetGDNet News LeadMember since: 8/27/2003 From: France
Posted - 12/8/2006 5:48:33 AM
It's basically the same with some other big middleware out there. It would be kind of cool to get a grasp on gamebryo, or to be able to download and use Havok for free, but that just won't happen :)
There a many difference in aim and target market between Virtools and gamebyro or other game engines.
Initially there was some kind of "indy" version for version 1.0 and it was called "Creation" and came without the SDK. Since then Virtools kept searching for more profitable markets that can pay their bills while increasing the prices. With 3.0 prices doubbled. 4.0 included again price raises - for example commercially publishing for the webplayer is not longer free (usually).
*Now* Virtools targets more the usual game developer teams that can invest 50k-80k EUR per year or big industrial companies (PLM sector) or edu/research institutes (VR sector) - before it was affordable for small companies.
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Kilvarn
Member since: 2/26/2004
Posted - 12/7/2006 7:30:45 PM
Posted - 12/8/2006 5:48:33 AM
Posted - 12/10/2006 6:59:33 AM
