Network Engine RakNet Gets Xbox 360 Support

Middleware provider Jenkins Software says its RakNet multiplayer network engine has added support for Xbox 360, including direct integration for voice and online chat. According to the company, host migration and matchmaking get handled automatically, and that the interface has been done similarly to other platforms -- with the goal of enabling cross-platform developers to use RakNet features without duplicating much code. The company ported RakNet's core featureset to the Xbox 360, including UDP with congestion control, object replication, remote procedure calls, and real-time SQL-logging. Jenkins also plans XLSP support for RakNet, which would allow publishers to use their own servers to extend Xbox Live. RakNet is a C++ game networking engine that also supports Xbox 360, Linux, Mac and iPhone development. It includes features like object replication, remote procedure calls, patching, secure connections, voice chat, and real-time SQL logging. It's aimed primarily at developing multiplayer games, says Jenkins Software. RakNet announced PlayStation 3 support early in 2010, adding to its existing platform support for PC, Mac, Linux, Xbox 360, and iPhone. "We are excited about what we have to offer through the Xbox 360 Tools and Middleware Program", says Jenkins Software president Kevin Jenkins. "Our native integration with Xbox High-level Voice, the Secure Network Library, and Xbox Live reduces developer workload, furthering our objective of providing multiplayer on a deadline."