Mac Gaming Gets Boost With Spore, Call of Duty 4

Author: by Leigh Alexander, David Jenkins

At Apple's 2008 Macworld Expo today, Electronic Arts announced that anticipated PC title Spore, from The Sims designer Will Wright, will also be available for the Mac later this year. Both the PC and Mac versions of Spore will feature the full experience of the game, including editors for designing various game elements. The Mac version of the game is made possible through TransGaming's Cider portability engine, which has been used to bring previous EA titles including Harry Potter, Madden, Tiger Woods, Need for Speed and Battlefield 2142 to Mac. Spore lets players simulate creation and evolution across five phases: cell, creature, tribe, civilization and space, with different challenges and goals unique to each stage. EA calls it a "personal universe in a box," as editing tools let players customize creatures, vehicles, buildings and spaceships, among other elements. Said chief designer Wright, “We couldn’t be happier to bring Spore to the Mac at the same time as the PC version. Spore is a highly creative game and I look forward to seeing what the players come up with to fill the universe they design." Also at the Macworld Expo, noted Mac publisher Apsyr has announced that Activision’s Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare will take the more usual, indirect, route to Apple’s home computer. The best selling PC and home console first person shoot ‘em-up will be released on the Mac this May, with fully featured single and multiplayer modes.