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.