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Offline PGC-Agent Cooper

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GameSpy is a GameCube Developer
« on: March 13, 2003, 04:57:54 AM »
The GameCube’s online arsenal is a game of one. GameSpy’s got some tools that not only can help developers get GameCube games online, but may take future GameCube LAN games online as well…

GameSpy.net technology is the guts behind some of today’s biggest online games, like Battlefield 1942, Unreal Tournament, and even Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4 for PS2.  During GDC, I met with Todd Northcutt, Software Product Manager for GameSpy Industries, who told me that GameSpy.net technology is actually almost ready to roll out for the Nintendo GameCube.  GameSpy is an official licensed developer for GameCube, and according to Northcutt, the final touches on the technology are happening now.


So what does this mean?  Very soon, developers will be able to license the GameSpy.net technology and incorporate online features in GameCube games.  Currently there aren’t any companies that have licensed the technology, but as Northcutt said, “the second someone wants to put online functionality in their GameCube game, it’ll be ready.”


There's also something else interesting to think about.  Remember that  Louie post that talked about LAN connectivity with two or more GameCubes?  GameSpy also has a program called the “GameSpy Tunnel” that allows Xbox owners to play LAN-enabled Xbox games, like Halo, online.  According to Northcutt, if Nintendo does in fact release LAN enabled games, in theory GameSpy could whip up something to allow those games to be played online.


More when it breaks.

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Offline sycomonkey

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GameSpy is a GameCube Developer
« Reply #1 on: March 13, 2003, 05:26:21 AM »
Quote
MAKE SOME GODDAMN ONLINE GAMECUBE GAMES. We'll buy them.


Or, we could, you know.  Not buy them.  Because online gaming has no appeal to some of us.

I mean, this is great for people who like online games.  Really.  I'm just not one of them.
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Offline Fammy2000

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GameSpy is a GameCube Developer
« Reply #2 on: March 13, 2003, 05:56:31 AM »
Is there even a second online game yet? I saw a Broadband adapter the other day and had exactly one reason to buy it. Wasn't ASB 2004 supposed to be online? My (pathetic) reasearch ascertained that only the Xbox and PS2 versions had an online component (couldn't easily tell if it was online play, I think just roster updates). What's going on?

GameSpy is good stuff. I've used it for years. Now we only need hope that Mario Kart is a LAN title at minimum...  
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Offline Ian Sane

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GameSpy is a GameCube Developer
« Reply #3 on: March 13, 2003, 06:12:34 AM »
Rick mentioned this in his comment on the front page:
"No, Online isn't going to be making any money right now, but we don't need a huge server infrastructure. Just give us simple matchmaking. That's really all we're asking for."

I totally agree.  There is no excuse why simple multiplayer titles like Mario Kart can't be online.  "Online isn't profitable" really only applies to games like PSO that have to be played online and have a huge amount of server maintenance.  Two things about Nintendo's online stance really bug me:

1. Not only is Nintendo not making any online titles but they are providing no incentive for third parties to do so.  In fact they're almost intentionally making it difficult for third parties to do so.  There's a real "if we don't go online no one will" attitude.

2. Nintendo's developers obviously want to go online or else there wouldn't be this rumour about LAN games or such an emphasis on "other forms of connectivity" like the GC/GBA link or Animal Crossing which is pretty much an offline online game.  Nintendo wants to do everything that online allows you to do without actually going online.  The problem with that is that we Nintendo gamers then get a taste of the online experience and therefore want to REALLY go online.  I thought Animal Crossing was great but if anything it's just made me realize how crappy Nintendo's "faux online" gameplay is.

Anyway getting back on topic I'm happy about this Gamespy thing.  I just have a few questions about any limitations involved with this sort of backdoor method.  For example is this only an option for American gamers or are Canadian gamers able to benefit too?  What about European gamers?  Are there fees involved with using the service?
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Offline Azule

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GameSpy is a GameCube Developer
« Reply #4 on: March 13, 2003, 08:27:47 AM »
This sounds cool, especially if GameSpy will take those LAN games online (um....BBA and broadband is needed?)
Didn't SEGA have an online development kit also?
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Offline tmoney

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GameSpy is a GameCube Developer
« Reply #5 on: March 13, 2003, 09:42:31 AM »
At one point Sega licensed their Sega.Net libraries to Nintendo - but it seems that since Sega isn't even using Sega.Net for the Gamecube - why would anybody else?  Maybe they'll suprise us and add some online Moneyball content.  Or maybe Sonic Adventure DX will have downloadable content like the Dreamcast did.  Who knows.

Gamespy signed an agreement with Nintendo about a year ago (around E3 last year I think) - so I would imagine this software package should be pretty complete and hopefully easy to implement.  Tony Hawk 3 and 4 for PS2 both used Gamespy technology (I'm sure TH3 did - not 100% sure about TH4).  At the very least let's hope Tony Hawk 5 for Gamecube will have it in there!

The only thing that sucks about the Gamespy tunnel option is that it isn't exactly a snap to set up and run - requiring more than your average Nintendo gamer may be able to do just to play online.  But you can count me in.  If Mario Kart has LAN capabilities - I will be all over Gamespy to get it online.  It would be nicer for the libraries to be built in to the software - but having both options will be good for developers.  I hope we see more at this years E3.
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Offline Fammy2000

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GameSpy is a GameCube Developer
« Reply #6 on: March 13, 2003, 10:01:25 AM »
Is it just me or should this have been built into the dev kits from the beginning? The knew they wanted online abilities way back when. They annouced the two internet adapters. Maybe next time Nintendo will be onlne. This time around looks pathetic. Gamecube is an easy third place for online this generation.
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Offline Djunknown

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GameSpy is a GameCube Developer
« Reply #7 on: March 13, 2003, 12:36:42 PM »
Well, the tools are there, but will someone build? All except for one thing....

Means of communication. Obviously PSO was at a HUGE disadvantage in this department for GC, but easily remedied with XboX live (voice chat.) One thing about online games is either talking trash, or talking tatics.

Perhaps Gamespy will have voice capability? Because the chances of seeing a Keyboard stateside is welll....'highly unlikely'.
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Offline Djunknown

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GameSpy is a GameCube Developer
« Reply #8 on: March 13, 2003, 12:40:55 PM »
Never Mind

Let me put my foot in my mouth

I should  read the news before I open my trap!  

http://www.planetgamecube.com/hardware.cfm?action=profile&id=190
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Offline Azule

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GameSpy is a GameCube Developer
« Reply #9 on: March 14, 2003, 01:57:29 PM »
Can PGC do a review of this keyboard, with comparisons to the ASCII keyboard controller.....please.
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