GameSpy Adds Indie-Specific Licensing Program

Online gaming services provider GameSpy Technology announced GameSpy Indie, a new pilot program designed give independent game developers access to its products and promote online-enabled gaming. With the program, GameSpy Technology will be made available to smaller developers that may have been prohibited from using the services due to resource or implementation barriers. GameSpy Technology offers various products for online functions, including multi-platform support for eight different platforms and source code for online services. GameSpy Technology also announced several updates, including features designed to better enable enhanced commerce, community, and connectivity features. Buccaneer: The Pursuit of Infamy, developed by Stickman Studios, will be the first title released under the new program next week. The title allows players to control pirate ships and plunder their way through a 56 mission, non-linear campaign. Originally released in December 2008 with limited online features, the game has been updated to enable players to more easily set up and join multiplayer matches with less hassle, GameSpy says. It also uses GameSpy’s ownership authentication and patching services so that users can keep their game up to date, no matter where they decide to install and play it. “At GameSpy, we are committed to advancing innovation in online and connected play within the gaming industry,” says GameSpy Technology's SVP Jamie Berger. “This means that we not only work to ensure that our technology is cutting edge, but that we also demonstrate a commitment to supporting independent developers and publishers." He continues, "Stickman Studios and Blitz Games Studios ... are driving innovation and pushing the industry forward on PC and consoles. Our new program gives those industry pioneers the professional online technology, services, and support that they need to make their games successful.”