MMO Middleware Company BigWorld Reveals Web Browser Plug-In

MMO middleware provider BigWorld on Friday unveiled its new web browser plug-in that will allow users to play MMOs and other online games directly through a Windows PC-based browser. The technology allows BigWorld to enter the burgeoning market of online social and casual games. BigWorld said that the new offering will supplement its current middleware, which supports full-screen PC client/server and server-only online games. BigWorld CTO Simon Hayes said in a statement, "The BigWorld Web Player brings the solid technology underlying numerous BigWorld Technology online games in the market today to a new arena -- PC browsers, with a minimum of installation, security, or development overhead." The company said the BigWorld Web Player plug-in will support Internet Explorer, FireFox, Chrome and Safari. The firm didn't announce a release date for the player, only saying that it will be available "soon." The tech will be on display next week at GDC Online in Austin, TX. BigWorld's technology suite for MMO development includes BigWorld Server Software, Content Creation Pipeline, 3D Client Engine Package and Live Management Tools and Instrumentation.