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.
Content you might like…
Users who looked at this article also looked at these content items.
Hot Stories
Newsmakers
-
Biden: No legal problem with taxing violent games
United States Vice President Joe Biden believes there is no legal restriction on ability to tax violent media. Full Story
- Posted May 14, 2013 5:50 am AEST
-
Just Cause dev promises 'holy f**king sh**' moments in future games
Avalanche Studios co-founder says developer's ambition is for action, not moments that make players cry; steampunk-style game on hold. Full Story
- Posted May 15, 2013 11:33 pm AEST
Featured Stories
-
Bungie shoots down Destiny for PS Vita rumor
Developer confirms image suggesting version of upcoming shared-world shooter in development for Sony's latest portable is a fake. Full Story
- Posted May 16, 2013 10:08 pm AEST
-
Ubisoft planning to release games more frequently
Assassin's Creed and Far Cry publisher says its network of 26 studios and over 7,000 developers will allow company to ship major franchises more regularly. Full Story
- Posted May 16, 2013 9:42 pm AEST
-
Metro: Last Light dev responds to workplace conditions claims
4A Games creative director Andrew Prokhorov thanks Jason Rubin for telling the studio's story, but says, "We deserve the ratings we get." Full Story
- Posted May 17, 2013 5:44 am AEST
-
EA opens DICE LA to make Star Wars games
DICE head would also like to poach top talent from rivals Infinity Ward and Treyarch. Full Story
- Posted May 15, 2013 8:28 pm AEST
-
EA dropping Online Passes - Report
Future EA games won't require Online Passes; the service is being scrapped after tepid player response. Full Story
- Posted May 16, 2013 1:28 pm AEST
Related Game
Star Wars: The Old Republic
- Publisher(s): Electronic Arts
- Developer(s): BioWare
- Genre: Role-Playing
- Release:
- Classification Board: PG






