Topic: Xlink Messenger to Support GameCube!

[TheYoungerPlumber]

That’s right!  The next release of the most comprehensive, free Xbox tunneling software available will support the GameCube!

Update:  A router is not needed, but the console and PC must be on the same network, and the PC must have access to certain internet ports.  Also, Linux and Macintosh builds of XLink Messenger are planned shortly after Kai's Windows debut!  

The XLink team is hard at work on an overhauled version of its popular Xbox tunneling software, XLink Messenger.  Planet GameCube has confirmed that, despite the “X” in its title, the third major release (codenamed Kai) will fully support the GameCube!

The XLink team says initial testing with the GameCube and their tunneling software ran “nice and smooth.” It seems the packet caching engine originally designed for Xbox games is just as effective with the LAN-capable GameCube games currently available.

XLink Messenger GameCube support is identical to its Xbox support.  The XLink Messenger, which runs on Windows-based PCs, has three modes: messenger,  WGN and Rooms.  Messenger Mode features a personal message interface where you can chat and play 1-on-1.  WGN (World Gaming Network) Mode hooks your GameCube to a worldwide virtual LAN resembling Xbox Live!  Rooms Mode lies somewhere in-between, letting users form and play within public and password-protected rooms organized by game.  The XLink Messenger even boasts real-time voice streaming through a PC microphone!

So, what will you need to play GameCube games online with the XLink Messenger?  Besides a BBA and a GC game with LAN support, you’ll need a PC running Windows 95 or later, a broadband connection, and a network to connect the GC to your PC.

RC3 Kai is still in the coding stages, but it is progressing nicely.  The XLink crew aims to release the software before the end of the year.  You can visit XLink's website for more details on the XLink scene, but PGC will be sure to keep you updated as the release nears completion!

Special thanks goes out to gb_20m for the tip!  

[BoboThePenguin]

Yummy competition between tunneling software, this could be a good thing!

[KirbySStar]

Yes, very interesting.  I'll have to inform Chad (head of WP team) about this.  Anyhow, Warp Pipe's beta release should be out around Mario Kart's release.  This looks comparably early when put next to Xlink's end of the year debut.  All that XLink has the Warp Pipe team is looking into being put into effect once code optimization and packet compression is properly done.  I don't think microphone support is in the works though.  Too much wasted bandwidth in my opinion and I think text messaging is plenty.  This is my opinion though.  It may be added later, but it’s currently not in the plan.  Yet, I might add that Warp Pipe IS cross-platform!  Mac users and Linux users will be able to play with Windows users as well, unlike XLink.  Well, I look forward to seeing and trying out what XLink has to offer, but you'll definitely be hearing more from the Warp Pipe team.  I guarantee it.  Visit http://www.warppipe.com for more information.

[RABicle]

Yay! Go warp pipe!
I choose Warp Pipe just because of it's Macintosh support.

Having competeing prgrams could be good in a program development sense, they'll be trying to out-do each other. But considering that neither will be compatible with the other and assuming that they are both relatively succesfull then it effectivly halves the number of players ready to play online.
If it's possible to run both programs simultaneously then this would make the above problem neglieble.

[Robageejammin]

@_@

[PIAC]

well, as said by frozen solid in #planetchat, x-link is moving from VB contruction to c++, which means it can be ported to mac and linux

[ghostVi]

Quote
Originally posted by: PIAC
well, as said by frozen solid in #planetchat, x-link is moving from VB contruction to c++, which means it can be ported to mac and linux

Being c++ is still far away from being portable. One has to start from the beginning with the idea of portability, or prepare for an almost complete rewrite... I haven't had a look at XLinks'c code, but being started as VB (assuming it from the quote above), it is not going to see the light on anything but win32 platforms anytime soon.

I'm planing to get a Mac, so I guess I'll be sticking with WP.

[Koopa Troopa]

Quote
Being c++ is still far away from being portable. One has to start from the beginning with the idea of portability, or prepare for an almost complete rewrite... I haven't had a look at XLinks'c code, but being started as VB (assuming it from the quote above), it is not going to see the light on anything but win32 platforms anytime soon.

Yeah, but even still, converting to C++ will make it easier for others to port it to various platforms. That is, of course, assuming the source is open, even if just to select groups.