Vicious Engine 2 Latest NGP-Compatible Middleware

Vicious Cycle Software confirmed Tuesday that its Vicious Engine 2 middleware will support Sony’s code-named Next Generation Portable, which has attracted numerous middleware solutions since its late January unveiling. Vicious Engine 2 debuted in March 2009, and has been used in games including Matt Hazard: Blood Bath and Beyond, Earth Defense Force: Insect Armageddon and Despicable Me: The Game. Other middleware and development tools companies to confirm support for NGP in recent weeks include Epic Games, Havok, NaturalMotion, Trinigy, Firelight and Audiokinetic, among others. The NGP has high-end features including 3G and wi-fi support (3G reportedly optional in some models), a five-inch multi-touch OLED display, a multi-touch pad on the back, dual analog sticks, flash card support for software, motion sensors, built-in GPS and a four-core CPU. Sony has yet to announce a price for the device, though one analyst expects at least a $299 price tag. In a statement, Vicious Cycle CEO Eric Peterson said, “We have years of experience perfecting the engine and NGP is another step further in our expansion across every platform.”