Anyone else LIKE GC & GBA connectivity idea?

[Melf]

I read it again and still can't find where it mentions the games will be truly online.

Instead, Mr. Epstein, went on to reveal that Nintendo will be using Gamespy developed "in-game" software. Much is not known about this except the fact that all gamers have to do is hook an internet cord from the Gamecube to their broadband modem and that's it. You are online as soon as you plug in the ethernet cord and choose the LAN option.

I repeat: "tunneling" will not be used and extra hubs, computers, and extra ethernet cords will not be needed as Nintendo wanted to keep it simple. It is simple in-game software that will be used in upcoming Nintendo LAN games.

So what you're saying is that by choosing the LAN option I can actually play online with someone across the country?

Oops, it doesn't say that.

[Shin Johnpv]

Today I went to the Gamespy booth to conduct a small and simple interview with GameSpy's President, Jon Epstein. After exchanging business cards, the questions began.

The word "tunneling" was introduced to many gamers with the software that Gamespy released for Halo and many of other Xbox games that didn't utilize Xbox Live but did use LAN.

Tunneling IS NOT being used for any of Nintendo's upcoming LAN utilized games. The information which came to me as a huge shock, is actually better than it sounds. According to Gamespy, Nintendo came to them about a year ago for LAN software. Nintendo did not want to use "tunneling, because it would require gamers excessive hardware such as hooking up multiple cables, computers, hubs, and what not.

Instead, Mr. Epstein, went on to reveal that Nintendo will be using Gamespy developed "in-game" software. Much is not known about this except the fact that all gamers have to do is hook an internet cord from the Gamecube to their broadband modem and that's it. You are online as soon as you plug in the ethernet cord and choose the LAN option.

I repeat: "tunneling" will not be used and extra hubs, computers, and extra ethernet cords will not be needed as Nintendo wanted to keep it simple. It is simple in-game software that will be used in upcoming Nintendo LAN games.

thats fucking awesome so all those lan games are bassicaly online

[Melf]

I still don't see it. There may be in game software but have they mentioned anything about servers, or any of the other elements of true online play?

I'm not trying to be a dick, I just don't believe Nintendo when they talk about online gaming.

[gamevet]

Originally posted by Melf
I still don't see it. There may be in game software but have they mentioned anything about servers, or any of the other elements of true online play?

I'm not trying to be a dick, I just don't believe Nintendo when they talk about online gaming.

They are probably taking the same stance they took with the CD add-on with the SNES. The only thing that would make me think otherwise, is that they did release broadband and dial-up adaptors.

[Shin Johnpv]

you dont need to have servers

its probably a simple P2P solution like 95% of online games on the PC

where one player hosts a game or its run through gamespys network since its using their technology

even in lan play you would need a HOST machine id imagine

so some one acts as the host machine and you find a game to play or host one yourself



this better work behind a router though otherwise ill be pissed

[Damian79]

this better work behind a router though otherwise ill be pissed

Me too.

[Melf]

Now it makes sense.

That doesn't sound so bad afterall. I would assume that all these games would then be free of charge to play, no?

...and yes, it had better work behind a router or I'll be pissed as well.

[Damian79]

BTW these were the plans for it in May 2002

http://www.gamespyindustries.com/pre...nintendo.shtml


GameSpy To Provide Middleware Tools and Online Service Support for NINTENDO GAMECUBE™ Developers

Complete Middleware/Services Solution Gets Developers Online Quickly, Easily

(Irvine, Calif.) – May 21, 2002. Internet online gaming leader GameSpy Industries today announced its support for the just-announced Nintendo GameCube online gaming initiative. The company, which has become an authorized Nintendo tools provider, will port its middleware and back-end services developer suites for the Nintendo GameCube, for shipment to developers in early July.

GameSpy provides game developers with a collection of middleware tools which, when combined with GameSpy's back-end server infrastructure, enable a low-cost turnkey online gaming solution. GameSpy's tools are easy to integrate and interface-neutral, allowing developers to provide the following functionalities seamlessly within their Nintendo GameCube games:


In-Game Player Matchmaking Text Chat, Instant Messaging, and Buddy Lists

Online Competitions and High Score Ladders

Online Data Storage (for virtual memory card applications)

Usage and Game Statistics Reporting and Analysis

Data Transfer to and from the Internet

GameSpy's tools greatly reduce the cost and time required for developers to bring their titles online, and to manage the online gaming experience after game launch.


"Our middleware tools will allow Nintendo developers to add critical online features to their Nintendo GameCube games within a day or two, in most cases," said Mark Surfas, CEO of GameSpy. "But that's just the beginning of what GameSpy provides. We operate the servers, provide the bandwidth, and manage the whole online back-end once the game ships, saving publishers and developers hundreds of thousands in potential hardware, connectivity and staffing costs."
GameSpy's technology and back-end services have been powering online gaming experiences for more than five years, across all major next-generation console platforms and all major PC operating systems.


"By working with GameSpy, we're able to bring our developers proven technology, a fully-outsourced back-end solution, and years of expertise in making the best online experiences for game players." said Jim Merrick, Network Marketing Director, Nintendo of America Inc.
Nintendo GameCube developers will be able to purchase GameSpy's Developer Toolbox for $995, which provides complete SDK source code, sample applications, and documentation, in early July, to begin testing code and back-end integration. Pricing for deployment licenses is based on the specific toolkit suites used by the game developer.

For more information on GameSpy's middleware, and to become a GameSpy registered developer, visit www.gamespy.net or send e-mail to devrelations@gamespy.com.

[Blaine]

Which begs the question:

What's in it for GameSpy? Is this middleware like Renderware, where they make money when the developers buy thier kits?

Or is this going to be a situation where...payment is in order to GameSpy.

Feels like the first, but I've been screwed enough to know the second isn't impossible.

[Shin Johnpv]

Originally posted by Melf
Now it makes sense.

That doesn't sound so bad afterall. I would assume that all these games would then be free of charge to play, no?

...and yes, it had better work behind a router or I'll be pissed as well.

i would imagine so

unlike MS most people dont charge for P2P solutions

Originally posted by Damian79


GameSpy's tools greatly reduce the cost and time required for developers to bring their titles online, and to manage the online gaming experience after game launch.


"Our middleware tools will allow Nintendo developers to add critical online features to their Nintendo GameCube games within a day or two, in most cases," said Mark Surfas, CEO of GameSpy. "But that's just the beginning of what GameSpy provides. We operate the servers, provide the bandwidth, and manage the whole online back-end once the game ships, saving publishers and developers hundreds of thousands in potential hardware, connectivity and staffing costs."
GameSpy's technology and back-end services have been powering online gaming experiences for more than five years, across all major next-generation console platforms and all major PC operating systems.


"By working with GameSpy, we're able to bring our developers proven technology, a fully-outsourced back-end solution, and years of expertise in making the best online experiences for game players." said Jim Merrick, Network Marketing Director, Nintendo of America Inc.
Nintendo GameCube developers will be able to purchase GameSpy's Developer Toolbox for $995, which provides complete SDK source code, sample applications, and documentation, in early July, to begin testing code and back-end integration. Pricing for deployment licenses is based on the specific toolkit suites used by the game developer.

so why the fuck havent any GAH

in a day or two they could add online play but the bastards dont

GGGRRRRR

Originally posted by Blaine
Which begs the question:

What's in it for GameSpy? Is this middleware like Renderware, where they make money when the developers buy thier kits?

Or is this going to be a situation where...payment is in order to GameSpy.

Feels like the first, but I've been screwed enough to know the second isn't impossible.

look at the full article they mention where it is middleware that developers buy kits for at about 1000 bucks