GameSpy Joins Epic’s UE3 Integrated Partners Program

IGN-owned GameSpy has announced that it has joined Epic's Integrated Partners Program to make the company's suite of online technology available to all Unreal Engine 3 licensees to enable seamless PC and PlayStation 3 interoperability. The two developers say the partnership will create an "integrated one-stop solution for game developers looking to leverage the world’s most advanced multi-player technology and game engine in one package," with GameSpy's tools offering cross-platform gameplay, communication tools and competition applications. The package will include GameSpy's matchmaking tools, 'Comrade' middleware for in- and out-of-game messaging and voice communication, it's 'Sake' secure online data storage tool, and 'Atlas' statistical system for dynamic leaderboards and tournaments both in game and on the web. Said Epic president Mark Rein, “We’re very excited to welcome GameSpy into the Integrated Partners Program. GameSpy is the leader in multiplayer gaming technology and has a vast amount of experience in developing rich and sophisticated multiplayer systems with community and commerce features that Epic and its Unreal Engine 3 licensees can directly benefit from. Having GameSpy integrate their technology into our engine and provide direct support for our licensees is a huge value-add for Unreal Engine 3.”