Epic Purchases Reality Engine [May 12, 2005, 10:43 am ET] – Share – Viewing Comments
Epic Games announces they have purchased the
Reality Engine, with the
intention of integrating some of its features into the Unreal 3 Engine. Here's
the announcement, which states they will not be developing the Reality Engine
going forward, though they will offer its licensees a discount on the Unreal
tech:
RALEIGH, May 12th, 2005 – Epic Games, one of the world’s leading developers of cutting-edge computer and video games and the pioneer of the award-winning Unreal® Engine, today announced that it has completed the purchase of the Reality Engine™ from Artificial Studios and hired its founder, and lead engine programmer, Tim Johnson. Tim will join the Unreal Engine 3 development team effective immediately and be part of Epic’s presence at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles, California next week.
Epic has purchased the Reality Engine outright, including intellectual property rights, trademarks, and copyrights. Epic does not intend to continue sales, development, or support of the Reality Engine, but will review its technologies for inclusion into Unreal Engine 3. Developers who had purchased Reality Engine licenses prior to this sale will be offered upgrades to Unreal Engine 3 at significantly discounted prices and should contact licensing@epicgames.com for more details.
Unreal Engine 3 provides a pathway to both PC and next generation console development, supported by the recent announcement that major game developer Silicon Knights will use Unreal Engine 3 exclusively for its next generation games. Other recently announced licensees include Bioware, the console game developer of the year, and renowned publisher Midway, which has acquired a studio-wide license.
“I am thrilled about joining the team at Epic Games” said Tim Johnson. “I’m a long-time fan of Unreal games and technology, and I am proud to be joining a company I consider to be a world leader in both game development and next generation middleware.”
“We’re very excited to have Tim Johnson join Epic Games,” said Epic founder and CEO, Tim Sweeney. “He brings six years of engine development experience to the Unreal Engine 3 development team, and he’s already brimming with ideas on how to improve our technology. Tim is a great fit for Epic – he clearly understands all sides of the licensing business, from engineering to customer support to business development. He will have a huge positive impact on our company and our engine licensees.”
That's a shame, Unreal Engines suck.
Not surprised though.
Reality Engine was slow as fuck though, they went the no BSP route which for all their bragging, was still slow as shit.
I agree. Unreal engines do suck. They always look pretty which grabs the casual player and newbie, but the netcode etc, some aspects of the physics SUCK. They did improve the MP a bit with Ut2004. Thats possibly what they are looking at this reality engine for I guess, but I've never heard of it before.
If an engine can offer the impressive graphics like those Unreal 3 screenies AND have creamy smooth netcode, stable mulitplayer with up to 32 players, fully immersive landcapes (no boxes) and offer excellent mod tools thats the killer engine. We've all seen a lot of pretty and ended up with a lag, stutter fest online. Dont be fooled by screenshots.
This comment was edited on May 12, 22:42.
Maybe this press release they sent to every major gaming news site?
http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/7811/Microsoft-Game-Studios-Chooses-Unreal-Engine-3/
---------
Pandora Studios programmer
http://www.pandora-studios.com
http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/7811/Microsoft-Game-Studios-Chooses-Unreal-Engine-3/
---------
Pandora Studios programmer
http://www.pandora-studios.com
How is Microsoft backing Unreal? I know that some of their studios are using Unreal, but I don't see them as "backing" any engine.
Clearly having M$ backing your effort is a plus, but still the engine itself has to be worth buying.
I'm by no means saying the engine is bad, nor am I saying it wasn't the right engine for Microsoft to back (Valve’s online distribution push and lack of console titles makes it a bad choice, Id has had a relatively bad relationship with the DirectX/OpenGL thing, Lithtech and Crytek have little successful 3rd party support, and of course other major cross platform players like Renderware are too tied to Sony). What I will say is that in a purely technical “bang for the buck” sense I don’t think the Unreal tech is really impressive. In the same sense, if your doing a movie, you pick a big actor who may get paid 100 times more than an unknown actor that may be just as talented and better for the role. In this case the actor would clearly not be 100 times better than the other guy, but the awareness he brings to the table is far more important than his ability to do the job.
I'm by no means saying the engine is bad, nor am I saying it wasn't the right engine for Microsoft to back (Valve’s online distribution push and lack of console titles makes it a bad choice, Id has had a relatively bad relationship with the DirectX/OpenGL thing, Lithtech and Crytek have little successful 3rd party support, and of course other major cross platform players like Renderware are too tied to Sony). What I will say is that in a purely technical “bang for the buck” sense I don’t think the Unreal tech is really impressive. In the same sense, if your doing a movie, you pick a big actor who may get paid 100 times more than an unknown actor that may be just as talented and better for the role. In this case the actor would clearly not be 100 times better than the other guy, but the awareness he brings to the table is far more important than his ability to do the job.
Fantaz..
I wonder why Ubisoft would make negative comments about Unreal Engine 3, since they are "cooking up" there own tech now. lol.
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i am still in side here. a little bit comes bleeding through.
I wonder why Ubisoft would make negative comments about Unreal Engine 3, since they are "cooking up" there own tech now. lol.
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i am still in side here. a little bit comes bleeding through.
--
He cut the possum's face off then cut around the eye socket. In the center of the belt buckle, where the possum's eye would be, he has placed a small piece of wood from his old '52 Ford's home made railroad tie bumper. Damn, he misses that truck.
He cut the possum's face off then cut around the eye socket. In the center of the belt buckle, where the possum's eye would be, he has placed a small piece of wood from his old '52 Ford's home made railroad tie bumper. Damn, he misses that truck.
I agree somewhat. Clearly having M$ backing your effort is a plus, but still the engine itself has to be worth buying.
I just hope Epic has Unreal Engine 3 to a point where we can't look at a game with one glance and say "oh that game uses unreal". I frankly don't care what engine is used anymore... it's time for the GAMEPLAY to improve.
OT: Is it wrong to eat a whole bag of chocolate covered espresso beans?
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i am still in side here. a little bit comes bleeding through.
This comment was edited on May 12, 19:49.
I just hope Epic has Unreal Engine 3 to a point where we can't look at a game with one glance and say "oh that game uses unreal". I frankly don't care what engine is used anymore... it's time for the GAMEPLAY to improve.
OT: Is it wrong to eat a whole bag of chocolate covered espresso beans?
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i am still in side here. a little bit comes bleeding through.
This comment was edited on May 12, 19:49.
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He cut the possum's face off then cut around the eye socket. In the center of the belt buckle, where the possum's eye would be, he has placed a small piece of wood from his old '52 Ford's home made railroad tie bumper. Damn, he misses that truck.
He cut the possum's face off then cut around the eye socket. In the center of the belt buckle, where the possum's eye would be, he has placed a small piece of wood from his old '52 Ford's home made railroad tie bumper. Damn, he misses that truck.
Sucks for those that went with Reality engine who dislike Unreal that now have to buy it again. Ubisoft were talking about how Unreal Engine 3 is unimpressive and what they're cooking up will be much hoter. Interesting indeed.
Yes, and for reasons that have little or nothing to do with the technology.
It is?
Certainly true. Since they're firmly backed by Microsoft it'll be pretty smooth sailing for them. If your doing an XBox/PC game choosing their engine is a real no-brainer.
You have to admit, all this news shows Epic is on freakin' Fire. The guys at Valve and Id have to be wondering wtf? lol.
Like I said, I haven't liked the Unreal engine since the first one. I'm actually looking forward to version 3.
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i am still in side here. a little bit comes bleeding through.
Like I said, I haven't liked the Unreal engine since the first one. I'm actually looking forward to version 3.
---
i am still in side here. a little bit comes bleeding through.
--
He cut the possum's face off then cut around the eye socket. In the center of the belt buckle, where the possum's eye would be, he has placed a small piece of wood from his old '52 Ford's home made railroad tie bumper. Damn, he misses that truck.
He cut the possum's face off then cut around the eye socket. In the center of the belt buckle, where the possum's eye would be, he has placed a small piece of wood from his old '52 Ford's home made railroad tie bumper. Damn, he misses that truck.
Always good to see the little guy make out well. Good luck Tim a Co.
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Sacred cows make the tastiest hamburgers
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Sacred cows make the tastiest hamburgers
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"Both the “left” and the “right” pretend they have the answer, but they are mere flippers on the same thalidomide baby, and the truth is that neither side has a clue."
- Jim Goad
Beat me to it. I can tell from first glance those weren't from Reality. The lighting engine gives it away.
---------
Pandora Studios programmer
http://www.pandora-studios.com
---------
Pandora Studios programmer
http://www.pandora-studios.com
These are not from the Reality Engine. These are from Torque, first version. Not Torque Shader, or the next gen stuff. Just regular, fixed-function Torque. They came from Tim Aste's blog on GarageGames.
http://www.garagegames.com/blogs/32699/7805
Cool reality engine shots floating around the net:
http://www.subreal.net/promo2/env3.jpg
http://www.subreal.net/promo2/env6.jpg
This comment was edited on May 12, 17:28.
http://www.garagegames.com/blogs/32699/7805
Cool reality engine shots floating around the net:
http://www.subreal.net/promo2/env3.jpg
http://www.subreal.net/promo2/env6.jpg
This comment was edited on May 12, 17:28.
I think the claims that Epic is acting Microsoftish isn't a proper comparison as the Unreal Engine dosen't dominate the market like Windows does.I'm not sure how this would change things at all, there was a time when Microsoft didn't dominate the market, and competitive buyouts is one of the reasons they do now. Now, I don't think Epic is evil, but I don't think Microsoft is either, they are both doing what is in their best interests. Of course, what’s in a company’s best interest doesn’t always fall in line with what’s in the industry or consumer’s best interest. A competitive buyout is what it is, saying it’s different just because Epic hasn’t done it for as long as Microsoft doesn’t change the reasons for doing it. We can only speculate on all the reasons, but again, I don’t see why Microsoft should be judged more harshly for this type of thing, but I’m sure they would be. You can love Epic all you want, but if it looks like a duck and sounds like a duck, I’m calling it a duck.
I think the claims that Epic is acting Microsoftish isn't a proper comparison as the Unreal Engine dosen't dominate the market like Windows does.
I fail to see what else you could call it. They buy up the little guy and make the little guy work for them, while at the same time conveniently making the little guy's engine fall off the planet. One competitor less, and Epic's team gains an apparently very talented individual.
If this isn't almost the exact same thing that Microsoft has been doing for their Xbox, then I don't know what is.
Btw, there was a time, once, long ago, when Microsoft didn't dominate. Remember that when 20 years from now, we all work at Epic, live in Epictown and eat Epic Pizza
Creston
I fail to see what else you could call it. They buy up the little guy and make the little guy work for them, while at the same time conveniently making the little guy's engine fall off the planet. One competitor less, and Epic's team gains an apparently very talented individual.
If this isn't almost the exact same thing that Microsoft has been doing for their Xbox, then I don't know what is.
Btw, there was a time, once, long ago, when Microsoft didn't dominate. Remember that when 20 years from now, we all work at Epic, live in Epictown and eat Epic Pizza
Creston
All game A.I. I've ever seen has been bad, at best.... But, since I don't have to create it for a living and, for that matter, don't have any idea how to.... I find it easier just to complain about it....
Now, HL and HL2... so many people went on and on about the A.I...... and it was woeful! I still remember the first HL and 2 of the upper rank guys are in that yard looking at one another as the planes come in to drop guys down the lines.... So, you picked 1 of them off with the crossbow to the head and expected to be shot at.... BUT NO!... his mate stood there wondering to himself.... HOW BLOODY UNFAIR IS THAT..... JONES GOT A SPEAR IN THE HEAD.... WHY DON'T I GET ONE?..... and, kindly stands and waits while you grant that particular wish. With HL2, they actually used your squads against you...... OH, LOOKY.... INCOMING GRENADE.... CHARLES, YOU STAND BEHIND HIM..... HENRY, YOU STAND BESIDE HIM..... I'LL STAND IN FRONT... WE'LL ALL DIE, HE'LL LOSE 20 HEALTH... VIVA LA RIVOLUZIONE!
Now, sadly, I have at times played UT2K4 with bots..... very bored, so arced up TDM with INSTAGIB... I'm watching the scores..... Opposing team has 15, mine has 10.... two of my imbecile team members are arguing the toss over who's getting to the use the staircase first in Metallurgy.... which was a supplied in the box map... and being picked off over and over and over..... in the end, I got fragged just watching them.... Like I said, I was very bored and much to much coffee...
At least with D3, you knew they were dumb.... it was never going to be a challenge to outwit, you just had to outrun and gun..... providing you could see them to begin with;P
Return To Castle Wolf.... here is a game that spent at least 2 years in development without ever having anything said about it, that didn't center on it's brilliant A.I...... Nice game, but equally dumbest sonsofbitches that ever walked the digital landscape....
Why can't we have smarter A.I.? I've spotted a link down the page saying that the army has self replicating robots..... Do hope the contractor isn't Skynet;P
Now, HL and HL2... so many people went on and on about the A.I...... and it was woeful! I still remember the first HL and 2 of the upper rank guys are in that yard looking at one another as the planes come in to drop guys down the lines.... So, you picked 1 of them off with the crossbow to the head and expected to be shot at.... BUT NO!... his mate stood there wondering to himself.... HOW BLOODY UNFAIR IS THAT..... JONES GOT A SPEAR IN THE HEAD.... WHY DON'T I GET ONE?..... and, kindly stands and waits while you grant that particular wish. With HL2, they actually used your squads against you...... OH, LOOKY.... INCOMING GRENADE.... CHARLES, YOU STAND BEHIND HIM..... HENRY, YOU STAND BESIDE HIM..... I'LL STAND IN FRONT... WE'LL ALL DIE, HE'LL LOSE 20 HEALTH... VIVA LA RIVOLUZIONE!
Now, sadly, I have at times played UT2K4 with bots..... very bored, so arced up TDM with INSTAGIB... I'm watching the scores..... Opposing team has 15, mine has 10.... two of my imbecile team members are arguing the toss over who's getting to the use the staircase first in Metallurgy.... which was a supplied in the box map... and being picked off over and over and over..... in the end, I got fragged just watching them.... Like I said, I was very bored and much to much coffee...
At least with D3, you knew they were dumb.... it was never going to be a challenge to outwit, you just had to outrun and gun..... providing you could see them to begin with;P
Return To Castle Wolf.... here is a game that spent at least 2 years in development without ever having anything said about it, that didn't center on it's brilliant A.I...... Nice game, but equally dumbest sonsofbitches that ever walked the digital landscape....
Why can't we have smarter A.I.? I've spotted a link down the page saying that the army has self replicating robots..... Do hope the contractor isn't Skynet;P
Cool reality engine shots floating around the net:
http://www.subreal.net/promo2/env3.jpg
http://www.subreal.net/promo2/env6.jpg
http://www.subreal.net/promo2/env3.jpg
http://www.subreal.net/promo2/env6.jpg
Getting a machine to think like a person is no walk in the park, graphics and gameplay are easy by comparison. Of course there's also the extra resources that your AI would consume at the expense of physics and other systems.
God, the shear amount of LD setup to make some damned pawn look smart. I don't program AI, but I've had to setup levels with it. WAs the most stressful job I've ever had to do.
God, the shear amount of LD setup to make some damned pawn look smart. I don't program AI, but I've had to setup levels with it. WAs the most stressful job I've ever had to do.
I'm glad everything worked out for you SquirrelZero, that would suck if I had spent all that time on a game only to have the engine yanked out from under me.
But I can't say this development really bugged me one way or the other. I think the claims that Epic is acting Microsoftish isn't a proper comparison as the Unreal Engine dosen't dominate the market like Windows does.
Yeah and I've often ranted about gamers with wildly unrealistic expectations.
Getting a machine to think like a person is no walk in the park, graphics and gameplay are easy by comparison. Of course there's also the extra resources that your AI would consume at the expense of physics and other systems.
That said I won't argue with the complaint about game AI often being overhyped by overzealous marketing weasels.
But I can't say this development really bugged me one way or the other. I think the claims that Epic is acting Microsoftish isn't a proper comparison as the Unreal Engine dosen't dominate the market like Windows does.
AI in all games to date has been a joke as far as I can see. You hear so many devs claim they have groundbreaking AI and so on, and ok there are developments, but they are always a very poor second to playing against real people.
I'd prefer it if they just said 'AI is a bit better'. It would at least hint to the fact that the enemy characters are still total monkeys.
I just dont think we've seen the same rate of development in AI as we've seen in graphics and gameplay.
Oh I've ranted.
Yeah and I've often ranted about gamers with wildly unrealistic expectations.
Getting a machine to think like a person is no walk in the park, graphics and gameplay are easy by comparison. Of course there's also the extra resources that your AI would consume at the expense of physics and other systems.
That said I won't argue with the complaint about game AI often being overhyped by overzealous marketing weasels.
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