Videogame developer and publisher Crytek has welcomed the unveiling of Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, reiterating that their CryENGINE 3 technology is equipped to start creating software for the system now.

Crytek recently became an officially licensed provider of middleware and tools for Xbox One, and will support the platform as well as equipping CryENGINE 3 licensees with the advanced toolset required to achieve their own games for the system.

“We offered assurances over two years ago that CryENGINE 3 was ready for the next generation of consoles, and time has revealed that promise to be true,” said Carl Jones, Director of Global Business Development at Crytek. “As developers begin to create new games for Xbox One, our technology and unparalleled support will ensure CryENGINE3 users remain at the forefront of the industry now and well into the future.”

Crytek’s CryENGINE 3 is used by licensees around the world to create blockbuster hits and popular online games, and is the first all-in-one development solution that provides multi-award winning graphics, and all necessary game systems and tools, out of the box.

Earlier this year, Crytek launched a creative competition for students in association with the British Library and GameCity. The Off the Map challenge invites students from participating universities and colleges to draw inspiration from a selection of British Library maps and then turn that inspiration into interactive environments using our free CryENGINE 3 SDK.

Among the participants is the Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies. Based in Nottingham, Confetti is a dynamic and progressive learning institute offering real industry vocational and degree training in games technology, music technology, and film and television. It is part of the Confetti Media Group, a family of companies committed to developing creativity and to driving new and innovative approaches to business and education.

Chris Roberts could be forgiven for taking early retirement. Creating videogames since his late teens and putting the finishing touches to the legendary Wing Commander by the time he was just 22, the California-born pioneer had led gaming’s fledgling generation to infinity and beyond when most people his age were taking their first tentative steps into the real world.

In the years that followed, Roberts oversaw the continuing evolution of the Wing Commander series, added critical hits like Freelancer to his portfolio, and even took his place amid the Hollywood Hills to produce a run of big budget films.

If looks could kill, Panzar would have a pretty significant trail of casualties to account for. Created in Russia by Moscow-based Panzar Studios, the new MOBA game bearing the name of its makers is certainly easy on the eye.   

Brought to life with CryENGINE 3, the Open Beta version of Panzar arrived in Europe this month after having already attracted close to one million registrants in its homeland. Now its creators have ambitions of repeating that success on a broader scale, a feat they believe will be made possible by Panzar’s unique selling points and gamers’ appetite for something different.

“People want to keep playing Panzar,” says Viacheslav Dubikovskiy, the game’s Executive Producer. “They might stop and play another MOBA type game, but they return to Panzar again and again. The art style is really unique, and the gameplay is absolutely unique; you’ll find nothing else like it in terms of character control, abilities and so on.”

Crytek’s groundbreaking CryENGINE^® technology is being used to create Monster Hunter Online; a major new collaboration between Tencent Games and Capcom that will see the popular Monster Hunter series released on Windows platforms in a whole new form.

As a PC-exclusive installment in the hit Monster Hunter franchise, Monster Hunter Online will give millions of new players the chance to experience the Japanese phenomenon. The MMOACT (Massively Multiplayer Online Action game) will contain Monster Hunter’s trademark blend of vast environments, awe-inspiring fantasy creatures and in-depth customization options.

“The Monster Hunter games are known for immersing players in breathtaking worlds where great gameplay and spectacular sights go hand in hand,” said Areil Cai, Director of Business Development - CryENGINE. “CryENGINE 3 is the perfect fit for the series, and will ensure Tencent Games and Capcom are well equipped to make Monster Hunter Online the groundbreaking MMOACT experience fans are eagerly anticipating.”