Sony gears up for online multiplayer mayhem, announces middleware deal

Sony Computer Entertainment has announced a deal with Criterion Software that will see Criterion middleware used for online multiplayer gaming for the PlayStation 2.

Dubbed Dynamic PVS, which itself relies on by Hybrid's Umbra technology, the technology enables a more effective visual transfer and frees up system resource to concentrate on other aspects of gaming, such as richer environments and enhanced sound.

“We recognise that the massively multiplayer online gaming market is rapidly expanding,” said Tim Flock, head of Sony Online Entertainment. “Compelling gameplay coupled with next-generation graphics will help us maintain our position as a world leader in multiplayer gaming. Criterion understands our goals, and we're extremely pleased to be using dPVS for upcoming projects and as part of our development process, as it will release our developers from the constraints of pre-processed visibility. This will help create 3D massively multiplayer worlds of unimaginable scale and scope, and both titles will benefit from the ability to build totally dynamic environments."

The technology has been confirmed for use in Everquest: Shadows of Luclin and Star Wars Galaxies.