Unity to Support Wii Console as Authorized Middleware Provider

3D game development tool provider Unity Technologies, formerly OTEE, has announced that it is supporting the Nintendo Wii console as an authorized middleware provider with its Unity game engine. Unity’s game engine allows developers to create, modify and iterate on Wii game functionality with several features optimized for the console, including Live Preview for instant previews regardless of the development phase; Scriptable Controller scripting class for reading data from the Wii Remote, Nunchuk controller, and Classic Controller; Optimized Character Animation for creating characters without required exports, imports, or modifications; Scriptable Shaders for built-in shaders optimized for Wii or custom shaders; and Click to Publish for running a game on a Wii development kit, building it with one click. Unity Technologies announced in March 2007 that it would support the Wii with its 3D authoring and engine package, adding onto its PC, Mac, and web browser support. The company’s customers include Smashing Ideas, Trigger, Freeverse, Shockwave.com, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Flashbang Studios, Three Melons and Skyworks Technologies. Said Unity Technologies CEO David Helgason: “Unity has streamlined the game development process with an engine that is tuned for quickly and efficiently creating and porting games to the Wii. Unity provides the fastest iteration time, which is crucial when a developer wants to make best use of the Wii console’s innovative controllers. Developers can create rich, visually engaging 3D content through a process that is simpler and more seamless than any other tool set available – regardless of the platform.”