GDC: Quazal Confirms PlayStation 3 Online Middleware Support

Quazal, maker of the Net-Z and Rendez-Vous online multiplayer middleware technologies, and the newly announced Spark! lobby technology, has announced that they have been approved for Sony Computer Entertainment Inc’s Tools and Middleware program for the PlayStation 3, and that versions are ready for evaluation by interested PS3 game title developers. According to the company, several teams have licensed these technologies for PS3, including Crave Entertainment (through Point of View, Inc.) and THQ (through Rainbow Studios). Quazal recently announced that it had closed another round of strategic investment, with a new influx of capital from Collar Capital, La Caisse de Dépôt et de Placement du Québec, Fondaction CSN and Viavar Capital. The company did not disclose the size of the new investment, but said it would use the money to accelerate development of its middleware products.