Current state of Distributed Gaming Industry and related information.
The following is a list of the most popular Gaming Software Development Kits (SDKs):
Microsoft's DirectX (Direct3D)
OpenGL
Apple's QuickDraw 3D.
3dfx Glide API
In an issue of Byte magazine the three 3D engines were compared.
In addition to 3D gaming environments Virtual Reality (VR) technology offers real-world solutions for industrial and commercial applications through the creation of 3D worlds. VR technolgies on the World Wide Web (WWW) may become part of mainstream computing. The current trend in technology is making VR a reality. The software development tools are more user friendly, hardware performance is increasing, and the prices for both are decreasing.
Presently, there is discussion concerning the possible use of gaming
technology in DOD based simulations. The pressures, dangers, and cost of live training
exercises has prompted many in the DOD industry to closely examine cost efficient
alternatives. Observers of the gaming industry are taking notice of todays gaming
technology. Surprisingly enough the technology exists at extremely affordable prices. So
what is the problem? Unfortunately, the commercial entertainment industry does not promote
standards. Can the gaming and DOD communities work together to integrate technologies from
both ends to serve each others interest? A report published by National Academy Press addresses these issues. The
report by the National Research Council's
Computer Science and Telecommunications Board, was requested by the DOD's Defense Modeling and Simiulation Office (DMSO) to
evaluate the extent to which the entertainment industry and DoD might be able to beter
leverage each other's capabilities in modeling and simulationtechnology and to identify
potential areas for greater collaboration.
MÄK’s Technolgies Inc. has taken an initial step
towards bridging that gap with a version of the Distributed Interaction Simulation (DIS)
protocol, called DIS-Lite. DIS-Lite is the basis for MÄK’s commercial game
networking tools and is being integrated into on-line multi-user video games by several
game developers. It is also being used by game developers to host their games on the
Internet in a peer-to-peer environment.
MÄK Technologies Inc. and Zombie® have engaged in a partnership to co-develop
the game Spearhead ™ and published by BMG® Interactive. The game
based on DIS technology, promises to provide real world physics and experiences,
including, life-like explosions and sounds, highly detailed ground units, air units,
soldiers, and civilians. Spearhead TM will be available to players via
LAN, null modem, modem-to-modem and via a Zombie-based server for absolutely free Internet
play.
MÄK’s has been contracted by the Marine Corps to develop a Marine amphibious assault
video game. The development of this game will also be co-funded by a game publisher,
making it the first video game to be co-funded and co-developed by the Department of
Defense and the entertainment industry.
The U.S. Marine Corps Modeling and
Simulation (M&S) office in Quantico, Virginia has developed a unique version of the
popular game DOOM. In yet another
effort to reduce costs and maintain a high level of training, the officers in M&S have
taken it upon themselves to resolve part of their ongoing training problem. A feature
article was written in Wired
Magazine detailing the efforts of the M&S developers.
Please send me your comments with any information
that you feel should be added.
