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.”
LOL!!! You just had to, didn't you? 
Game developers are just human beings who happen to make games for a living. If you want to hold us up to higher standards of conduct, then go ahead
...but don't be surprised if we don't uphold them
...but don't be surprised if we don't uphold them
Now that everything is pretty much settled let me start by saying...
Derek Smart!
Derek Smart!
Derek Smart!
Derek Smart!
Sounds like everyone's gonna "Do The Right Thing" here, which is nice to see. Although I can't say I'm suprised, as I don't think I've ever seen Epic do anything to damage the gaming community.
Congrats to both parties, and hopefully we'll see some cool new tech come out of it.
Congrats to both parties, and hopefully we'll see some cool new tech come out of it.
As I see it, you're in a much stronger position to hire the owner of an engine lisence, if you offer purchase it from him (money up front) and deal with the fallout because you're the new owner.
Good to hear, Squirrel.
I'll admit I hadn't heard of this engine until this buyout, but looking at the shots I have no idea why. Definitely ahead of its time.
Tim, you do kickass lighting work. I hope Epic fully incorporates your glow/exposure/lightsource effects, and good luck.
As for Epic... Kind of funny that we were just talking about Epic making licensing moves a few days ago with that Silicon Knights announcement.
I'll admit I hadn't heard of this engine until this buyout, but looking at the shots I have no idea why. Definitely ahead of its time.
Tim, you do kickass lighting work. I hope Epic fully incorporates your glow/exposure/lightsource effects, and good luck.
As for Epic... Kind of funny that we were just talking about Epic making licensing moves a few days ago with that Silicon Knights announcement.
SquirrelZero is right, if my phone was ringing off the hook based on news I wasn't privvy to, I'd be frigging running out butt nekid looking for the mofo pulling a cruel joke.
Then when reality - and common sense (whatever is left of it) - sinks in, you go figure out what the fuck is going on.
Like SquirrelZero, we've been around even before RE had teeth and the guys (Tim, Jeremy et al) are pretty cool guys.
Despite what the Epic press release says, existing licensees (like us), can still continue using the engine but not to expect any further updates I don't think.
Its kinda weird, but being a developer - and knowing how Epic are not notorious for screwing people - I'm quite certain that behind-the-scenes actions will sort this out for existing licensees.
Not to be facetious or anything, but IMO this buyout doesn't have fuck all to do with Tim Johnson's [unquestionable] talent. My take is that Epic just got scared and decided to buy out the *really* small guy, bring that talent+technology in house (as part of the deal) and [probably] not further saturate the mainstream middleware license arena (DOOM3, NetImmerse, GameBryo, Renderware, Virtools). Its easier to buy one rung on the ladder - especially given the price of RE when compared to those other engines - than it is the others higher up the ladder.
If Tim and Jeremy made out like bandits, good for them. Running a company while developing an engine (which is essentially what you're doing if your are licensing technologies) is not exactly a good match. So, if Tim wants to continue being a "developer" instead of a businessman, then this is the right way to go. Especially if the price is right; as I'm sure that it was because, knowing him, there is no way he would have done this without some substantial benefit.
This is only the beginning. EA bought Criterion and pretty much locked up GameByro and RenderWare. A bunch of others (e.g. Intrinsic) have gone under and the rest are struggling.
Then when reality - and common sense (whatever is left of it) - sinks in, you go figure out what the fuck is going on.
Like SquirrelZero, we've been around even before RE had teeth and the guys (Tim, Jeremy et al) are pretty cool guys.
Despite what the Epic press release says, existing licensees (like us), can still continue using the engine but not to expect any further updates I don't think.
Its kinda weird, but being a developer - and knowing how Epic are not notorious for screwing people - I'm quite certain that behind-the-scenes actions will sort this out for existing licensees.
Not to be facetious or anything, but IMO this buyout doesn't have fuck all to do with Tim Johnson's [unquestionable] talent. My take is that Epic just got scared and decided to buy out the *really* small guy, bring that talent+technology in house (as part of the deal) and [probably] not further saturate the mainstream middleware license arena (DOOM3, NetImmerse, GameBryo, Renderware, Virtools). Its easier to buy one rung on the ladder - especially given the price of RE when compared to those other engines - than it is the others higher up the ladder.
If Tim and Jeremy made out like bandits, good for them. Running a company while developing an engine (which is essentially what you're doing if your are licensing technologies) is not exactly a good match. So, if Tim wants to continue being a "developer" instead of a businessman, then this is the right way to go. Especially if the price is right; as I'm sure that it was because, knowing him, there is no way he would have done this without some substantial benefit.
This is only the beginning. EA bought Criterion and pretty much locked up GameByro and RenderWare. A bunch of others (e.g. Intrinsic) have gone under and the rest are struggling.
Game developers are just human beings who happen to make games for a living. If you want to hold us up to higher standards of conduct, then go ahead
...but don't be surprised if we don't uphold them
...but don't be surprised if we don't uphold them
Ok. We've gotten the word from Tim and Artificial Studios that we are still able to produce our game using the Reality Engine. This is a giant relief for us and puts us back on track for our E3 plans.
Honestly, i should have waited for the response from them first before posting, however, when you wake up to your phone ringing off the hook from your dev team, screaming at you to go look at bluesnews, you tend to do these sorts of things.
I assure you i meant no harm to the reputation of Artificial Studios. I've loved their setup and development attitudes ever since day 1. So, if anyone at Artificial was offended, i apologize.
---------
Pandora Studios programmer
http://www.pandora-studios.com
Honestly, i should have waited for the response from them first before posting, however, when you wake up to your phone ringing off the hook from your dev team, screaming at you to go look at bluesnews, you tend to do these sorts of things.
I assure you i meant no harm to the reputation of Artificial Studios. I've loved their setup and development attitudes ever since day 1. So, if anyone at Artificial was offended, i apologize.
---------
Pandora Studios programmer
http://www.pandora-studios.com
But I also think that the author of Reality Engine probably solved some "problems" that Epic hasn't yet... and it was probably cheaper to buy out Reality Engine, and use some of the solutions, than to grind out the R&D themselves at Epic.
Oh, I definitely believe there is legitimacy to the deal, and it will certainly strengthen the technologies of both projects developed into a whole. And there is nothing really wrong with it. But man, it sure is convenient that Epic essentially picked up several potential licensees with this purchase, while removing the threat of losing others.
Someone said it below, and it's sure as hell true - if it were microsoft or EA, everyone would be freaking out. I think Epic just pulled a semi-naughty here. Let's just hope an otherwise cool company doesn't get so big/greedy/domineering that they aren't such a nice one anymore.
*cough valve*
I don't think it'll affect you much legally Squiz. The downside is lack of support :/ I'm sure Tim would still help you out, it depends if he has time.
I reckon the buyout was definetly for the talent, they didn't have to hire Tim Johnson, and Epic are in a much stronger position with their engine than Reality was.
Buying the engine up and not continuing support until all licensees ship is a bit unprofessional though.
I reckon the buyout was definetly for the talent, they didn't have to hire Tim Johnson, and Epic are in a much stronger position with their engine than Reality was.
Buying the engine up and not continuing support until all licensees ship is a bit unprofessional though.
I'd like to clarify that all existing Reality Engine licenses will continue to be valid. UE3 is only an upgrade *option*, licensees may continue with Reality Engine without hinderace, and all support obligations will be upheld.
-Tim Johnson, Epic Games
-Tim Johnson, Epic Games
Morrowind and Oblivion use Gamebyro (Formerly NetImmmerse).
Of course, Bethesda has their own modifications to it.
Yikes. After looking at some of the screenshots, and seeing that he's already got a few licenses apparently, this is smelling an awful lot like eliminating the competition through purchase.
I agree with that to a certain extent...
But I also think that the author of Reality Engine probably solved some "problems" that Epic hasn't yet... and it was probably cheaper to buy out Reality Engine, and use some of the solutions, than to grind out the R&D themselves at Epic.
I mean... why re-invent the wheel?
As for the current licensees of Reality Engine... I feel sorry for them.
Of course, Bethesda has their own modifications to it.
Yikes. After looking at some of the screenshots, and seeing that he's already got a few licenses apparently, this is smelling an awful lot like eliminating the competition through purchase.
I agree with that to a certain extent...
But I also think that the author of Reality Engine probably solved some "problems" that Epic hasn't yet... and it was probably cheaper to buy out Reality Engine, and use some of the solutions, than to grind out the R&D themselves at Epic.
I mean... why re-invent the wheel?
As for the current licensees of Reality Engine... I feel sorry for them.
Get your games from GOG DAMMIT!
Oblivion and Gothic 3 are both being made with Gamebryo Engine as the basis.
Looks like we are now starting to have consolidation in the engine industry as well. Cause more consolidation is just what we need...
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Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Founder of StateOfGaming.org
Commentary & Discussion About the Video Game Industry and Its Future
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Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Founder of StateOfGaming.org
Commentary & Discussion About the Video Game Industry and Its Future
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Looks to me like epic just bought out a player in the 3d engine market.
Okay Epic, now really impress us and get some ground breaking A.I. into the Unreal Engine 3
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.
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.
Time to pull out the contracts and call up a lawyer, dude
SIGN OF THE APOCOLYPSE: I completely agree with space captain.
Between this and nin getting broadband, I expect a full out nuclear war by tomorrow.
if the above is true it seems that now we've essentially been screwed out of the 6 months that were so painstakingly spent developing it
Ok, I know your company needs time to figure out WTF is going on, but based on the small blurb in the announcement it seems that you'd be fine to continue/finish development, ship, et. al. with your current RE license... with the "minor" caveat that if you need any support on the engine (bug fixes, clarification on API, etc.) then you're SOL.
I can't imagine how they could legally disallow you to use your paid for license. And if there was a support clause in the contract with a specific time frame then I can't see how they could get out of that either (if it didn't provide a specific time frame, such as x years from time of purchase, then they could probably get out of it pretty easily).
Of course, if there are other people from Artificial Studios that are no longer employed, grabbing one of them might be the cheapest and most cost effective move... if you have any budget to do it.
Time to pull out the contracts and call up a lawyer, dude.
Seriously! The corporate world will let you fall through the cracks faster than a hot potato
_________________________________
Who's gonna fight the system?!
You, me or fucking no-one?!
- Subhumans 1982
Seriously! The corporate world will let you fall through the cracks faster than a hot potato
_________________________________
Who's gonna fight the system?!
You, me or fucking no-one?!
- Subhumans 1982
I'd rather not discuss this further until i receive clarification from the parties in question. I will let you know what the status is when i know more myself.
---------
Pandora Studios programmer
http://www.pandora-studios.com
---------
Pandora Studios programmer
http://www.pandora-studios.com
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