D-realJos
01-03-2003, 11:18 PM
Note: For those who haven't been following since part 1 (http://www.gametavern.net/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1110)...these updates feature 3 developers who you'll probably hear about in the (near?) future, as their software will be heading to GameCube. Some of these developers you may know, while others are a little more of a mystery. However, as you'll see, even the mysterious offers something to be revealed. As you read along, it's unlikely you'll learn anything of massive proportions(but who knows?), still, you are sure to find some interesting bits and peices that'll make it all worth your while.
If you need a little more detail about the general idea of this topic, or haven't seen the other updates, you may want to check out the original thread(link provided at the bottom). You can also check out any other previous update(again, all links at the bottom).
------------------------------------------------
Welcome To... Developer Trio, Part 4!
Featuring: Vicious Cycle Software (http://www.viciouscycleinc.com)
Info: Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on the edge of the fast-growing technology center known as Research Triangle Park(an area home to popular companies like IBM and Nvidia) is where you can find this company. It was founded in 2000 by former employees at one of Hasbro Interactive's studios. After the studio was closed, many of those who were laid off understood that they worked amazingly well together as a team and couldn't bare the thought of separation. In just under 4 months, the new company, Vicious Cycle Software, was up and running. Since then, it has been progressing at a great pace. This group develops for a variety of platforms including PS2, GameCube and Xbox, which also happens to be their current main focus.
GameCube Support: Vicious Cycle were responsible for the recently released Robotec: Battlecry, for all 3 next-gen consoles(published by TDK Mediactive). You may recall the game scoring pretty well (http://cube.ign.com/articles/374/374725p2.html) by IGN-Cube standards, boding well for the creators. For many, that's where the story of Vicious Cycle's current-gen console projects end. The part that most people don't know about the team, is that they have another game in development, currently, only targeted for GameCube, as quoted below:
"We also have a second unannounced product[in addition to the released Robotec] being developed for the GameCube, which is set for release in Spring 2003."
Now, I've done some digging, and while the company would like the keep this mysterious GameCube game under warps for now, a little "research" seems to reveal that this game is Dinotopia. Naturally, I assume it's based on James Gurney's Dinotopia books and stuff, which you can learn more about here. (http://www.dinotopia.com/)
You may check out this really old page (http://games.ign.com/objects/027/027794.html) from IGN to see where the thought of Dinotopia came about. Note to Vicious Cycle: We know your little secret! Either that, or they have more than one "exclusive" GameCube project on the horizon. Hey, I wouldn't mind the later at all. ;)
Notable: Vicious Cycle Software, Inc. is currently looking for 'insanely talented' artists, programmers, designers and producers to join the staff in Chapel Hill, where they'll create 'high quality entertainment products' for Microsoft Xbox, Nintendo GameCube and Sony PlayStation 2. The team seems very focused and ambitious, stressing that;
"These positions are not for the weak of heart ... If you have doubts, do not apply."
Vicious Cycle Software created it's latest game engine since 2001, capable of features you'd expect from most of today's games(although, not today's best). Here is demo pic (http://www.viciouscycleinc.com/images/A_6.jpg). Remember, it's a relatively old engine so, it's quite possible that it has been overhauled/optimized considerably since then. I'm almost certain the engine will be use to power their 2003 GameCube project, which -- as I already mentioned -- is likely to be their Dinotopia game.
With the new year just rolling over, I'd say we may hear more about Vicious Cycle and their project(s) within this month, or the next few. So, stay alert!
Freaturing: Graphics State (http://www.graphic-state.com/)
Info: Located in Warwickshire UK, Graphic State is an independently owned studio committed to high quality 'game development and technical innovation'. Graphic State was formed in 1997 by Claire Hill & Richard Whittall, and has established itself as one of the leading developers in the handheld market. It's there that it creates games for a wide range of today's most popular publishers, including the likes of; Midway, THQ, and Acclaim, among others.
GameCube Support: Don't think for one moment that a company with such talent will stick solely to creating products for portable devices, and never once considered expanding into the home console market. That said, Graphics State is indeed exploring home console options. Anything less, and I couldn't possibly feature them in this thread. What's interesting to note, however, is the fact that their home console options only include GameCube -- for now, at least. The following is a quote comes directly from there website.
"Graphic State is currently developing games, both original titles and licensed products for Game Boy Advance, Game Cube, PC, Java Mobile Phones."
I guess that means PS2 and Xbox aren't on the company's radar at the moment. Usually, GameCube is the one to be excluded(even if temporarily), so this is a welcome change. No details on their GameCube project(s) is available at this time.
Notable: Overlooking internal, individual talent, this team hasn't officially worked on any of today's consoles yet. So, it'll be interesting to see how/if they can exploit their creativity and skill on Nintendo's home console. Graphics State is very technically inclined, and is responsible for some incredible GBA game engines (http://www.graphic-state.com/press/n_engines.htm)(click to see for youself). If they prove to be equally committed to GCN's hardware, then this is one development house you'd HAVE to keep your eyes on.
Featuring: Zed Two Game Design Studio (http://www.zedtwo.com/)
Info: Zed Two Game Design Studio is a video game design, development and R&D studio based in Manchester, England. Zed Two was formed by John and Ste Pickford in 1996, and 2 years later, released it's first game, Wetrix (http://wetrix.zedtwo.com/page00.htm), across N64, PC, GBC and DC(enhanced version, Wetrix +). The game proved to be (http://ign64.ign.com/articles/152/152139p1.html) original, creative, and addictive enough to receive a PS2 sequel. It's games like this that validates the company's following statement;
'We specialize in creating high quality, original games for any platform."
Those platforms currently include: PS2, GameCube, PC CD-ROM and GBA[not forgetting GBC and last-gen consoles]. Sorry Xbox, no room in the pool, at the moment.
GameCube Support: Even with a multiplatform strategy, a lot of their energy appears to be directed at GameCube. They DO seem to have a personal liking for Nintendo -- tremendous respect, I guess.
"Personally and professionally, Nintendo has been a constant source of inspiration for us. This is why we are so chuffed, not only to be working on the GameCube but working on three high profile projects." -- Zed Two's Creative Director, John Pickford.
One of those projects was stated to be ET and the Search for Dragora, for publishers NewKidCo(US) and Ubi Soft(Europe). This is an original game, and currently for GameCube only. Their second project is an original and unique looking RPG in development for PS2, GCN and PC, called Pillage.
I dug up some pics your viewing pleasure. Please note that these images are fairly old, and the game would most definitely come a long way since then.
[pic 1 (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/screenshots_library/dir_98/vortal_pic_49126.jpg), pic 2 (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/screenshots_library/dir_98/vortal_pic_49127.jpg), pic 3 (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/screenshots_library/dir_98/vortal_pic_49129.jpg), pic 4 (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/screenshots_library/dir_98/vortal_pic_49128.jpg)]
The third project(not in any specific order, btw) is actually a conversion of the popular series, Worms Blast, which was released in November. It's possible that this isn't one of the 3 project mentioned, giving way to the idea of there being one unknown game in development for GameCube. I can't tell for sure though.
Notable: Just recently (Dec 17, 2002), Zed Two was acquired (http://www.zedtwo.com/news/press_release/17-12-02_index.htm) by WartHog. However, they will remain "creatively independent," while WartHog provide whatever support is necessary. It's not clear how/if this acquisition will affect their game with NewKidCo. Judging by this recent acquisition, it's clear that this team has some potential that WartHog hopes to exploit. Also, with more resources now at their disposal, expect more new games to be announce in the near future.
"Although we are still working on other platforms, Zed Two's commitment to gameplay matches Nintendo's approach perfectly."
As we look forward to these future games, let's hope they stand true to that statement.
Well, that's it for now, and I hope this update served as an interesting read for you. There are many more exciting GameCube supporters out there that you're bound to hear about sooner or later -- many of which offer very interesting tidbits to know. In my next update I'll take a look at another three. So, as usual, stay tuned!
Below, is a little something extra....
---------------------------------------
Extra Bite™ :D
The very artistically talented, Xgameworks (http://www.xgameworks.com/), has been in negotiations with the major console makers, Sony and Nintendo. (Deals with Microsoft appear to be finalized, and they'll be creating games on Xbox soon)
"Currently negotiations with Nintendo company and Sony company are being undertaken, to develop games for Nintendo's Game Boy advance and Game Cube, and Sony's PS2."
It's been a while since, so negotiation should be over by now. Should everything go as plan, you're very likely to hear of this company and their projects in the near future. Just remember, you heard it here first. ;)
D-real out...
one!
----------------------------------
Other Updates: Part 1 (http://www.gametavern.net/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1110) Part 2 (http://www.gametavern.net/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1264) Part 3 (http://www.gametavern.net/forums/showthread.php?threadid=2864)
If you need a little more detail about the general idea of this topic, or haven't seen the other updates, you may want to check out the original thread(link provided at the bottom). You can also check out any other previous update(again, all links at the bottom).
------------------------------------------------
Welcome To... Developer Trio, Part 4!
Featuring: Vicious Cycle Software (http://www.viciouscycleinc.com)
Info: Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on the edge of the fast-growing technology center known as Research Triangle Park(an area home to popular companies like IBM and Nvidia) is where you can find this company. It was founded in 2000 by former employees at one of Hasbro Interactive's studios. After the studio was closed, many of those who were laid off understood that they worked amazingly well together as a team and couldn't bare the thought of separation. In just under 4 months, the new company, Vicious Cycle Software, was up and running. Since then, it has been progressing at a great pace. This group develops for a variety of platforms including PS2, GameCube and Xbox, which also happens to be their current main focus.
GameCube Support: Vicious Cycle were responsible for the recently released Robotec: Battlecry, for all 3 next-gen consoles(published by TDK Mediactive). You may recall the game scoring pretty well (http://cube.ign.com/articles/374/374725p2.html) by IGN-Cube standards, boding well for the creators. For many, that's where the story of Vicious Cycle's current-gen console projects end. The part that most people don't know about the team, is that they have another game in development, currently, only targeted for GameCube, as quoted below:
"We also have a second unannounced product[in addition to the released Robotec] being developed for the GameCube, which is set for release in Spring 2003."
Now, I've done some digging, and while the company would like the keep this mysterious GameCube game under warps for now, a little "research" seems to reveal that this game is Dinotopia. Naturally, I assume it's based on James Gurney's Dinotopia books and stuff, which you can learn more about here. (http://www.dinotopia.com/)
You may check out this really old page (http://games.ign.com/objects/027/027794.html) from IGN to see where the thought of Dinotopia came about. Note to Vicious Cycle: We know your little secret! Either that, or they have more than one "exclusive" GameCube project on the horizon. Hey, I wouldn't mind the later at all. ;)
Notable: Vicious Cycle Software, Inc. is currently looking for 'insanely talented' artists, programmers, designers and producers to join the staff in Chapel Hill, where they'll create 'high quality entertainment products' for Microsoft Xbox, Nintendo GameCube and Sony PlayStation 2. The team seems very focused and ambitious, stressing that;
"These positions are not for the weak of heart ... If you have doubts, do not apply."
Vicious Cycle Software created it's latest game engine since 2001, capable of features you'd expect from most of today's games(although, not today's best). Here is demo pic (http://www.viciouscycleinc.com/images/A_6.jpg). Remember, it's a relatively old engine so, it's quite possible that it has been overhauled/optimized considerably since then. I'm almost certain the engine will be use to power their 2003 GameCube project, which -- as I already mentioned -- is likely to be their Dinotopia game.
With the new year just rolling over, I'd say we may hear more about Vicious Cycle and their project(s) within this month, or the next few. So, stay alert!
Freaturing: Graphics State (http://www.graphic-state.com/)
Info: Located in Warwickshire UK, Graphic State is an independently owned studio committed to high quality 'game development and technical innovation'. Graphic State was formed in 1997 by Claire Hill & Richard Whittall, and has established itself as one of the leading developers in the handheld market. It's there that it creates games for a wide range of today's most popular publishers, including the likes of; Midway, THQ, and Acclaim, among others.
GameCube Support: Don't think for one moment that a company with such talent will stick solely to creating products for portable devices, and never once considered expanding into the home console market. That said, Graphics State is indeed exploring home console options. Anything less, and I couldn't possibly feature them in this thread. What's interesting to note, however, is the fact that their home console options only include GameCube -- for now, at least. The following is a quote comes directly from there website.
"Graphic State is currently developing games, both original titles and licensed products for Game Boy Advance, Game Cube, PC, Java Mobile Phones."
I guess that means PS2 and Xbox aren't on the company's radar at the moment. Usually, GameCube is the one to be excluded(even if temporarily), so this is a welcome change. No details on their GameCube project(s) is available at this time.
Notable: Overlooking internal, individual talent, this team hasn't officially worked on any of today's consoles yet. So, it'll be interesting to see how/if they can exploit their creativity and skill on Nintendo's home console. Graphics State is very technically inclined, and is responsible for some incredible GBA game engines (http://www.graphic-state.com/press/n_engines.htm)(click to see for youself). If they prove to be equally committed to GCN's hardware, then this is one development house you'd HAVE to keep your eyes on.
Featuring: Zed Two Game Design Studio (http://www.zedtwo.com/)
Info: Zed Two Game Design Studio is a video game design, development and R&D studio based in Manchester, England. Zed Two was formed by John and Ste Pickford in 1996, and 2 years later, released it's first game, Wetrix (http://wetrix.zedtwo.com/page00.htm), across N64, PC, GBC and DC(enhanced version, Wetrix +). The game proved to be (http://ign64.ign.com/articles/152/152139p1.html) original, creative, and addictive enough to receive a PS2 sequel. It's games like this that validates the company's following statement;
'We specialize in creating high quality, original games for any platform."
Those platforms currently include: PS2, GameCube, PC CD-ROM and GBA[not forgetting GBC and last-gen consoles]. Sorry Xbox, no room in the pool, at the moment.
GameCube Support: Even with a multiplatform strategy, a lot of their energy appears to be directed at GameCube. They DO seem to have a personal liking for Nintendo -- tremendous respect, I guess.
"Personally and professionally, Nintendo has been a constant source of inspiration for us. This is why we are so chuffed, not only to be working on the GameCube but working on three high profile projects." -- Zed Two's Creative Director, John Pickford.
One of those projects was stated to be ET and the Search for Dragora, for publishers NewKidCo(US) and Ubi Soft(Europe). This is an original game, and currently for GameCube only. Their second project is an original and unique looking RPG in development for PS2, GCN and PC, called Pillage.
I dug up some pics your viewing pleasure. Please note that these images are fairly old, and the game would most definitely come a long way since then.
[pic 1 (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/screenshots_library/dir_98/vortal_pic_49126.jpg), pic 2 (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/screenshots_library/dir_98/vortal_pic_49127.jpg), pic 3 (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/screenshots_library/dir_98/vortal_pic_49129.jpg), pic 4 (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/screenshots_library/dir_98/vortal_pic_49128.jpg)]
The third project(not in any specific order, btw) is actually a conversion of the popular series, Worms Blast, which was released in November. It's possible that this isn't one of the 3 project mentioned, giving way to the idea of there being one unknown game in development for GameCube. I can't tell for sure though.
Notable: Just recently (Dec 17, 2002), Zed Two was acquired (http://www.zedtwo.com/news/press_release/17-12-02_index.htm) by WartHog. However, they will remain "creatively independent," while WartHog provide whatever support is necessary. It's not clear how/if this acquisition will affect their game with NewKidCo. Judging by this recent acquisition, it's clear that this team has some potential that WartHog hopes to exploit. Also, with more resources now at their disposal, expect more new games to be announce in the near future.
"Although we are still working on other platforms, Zed Two's commitment to gameplay matches Nintendo's approach perfectly."
As we look forward to these future games, let's hope they stand true to that statement.
Well, that's it for now, and I hope this update served as an interesting read for you. There are many more exciting GameCube supporters out there that you're bound to hear about sooner or later -- many of which offer very interesting tidbits to know. In my next update I'll take a look at another three. So, as usual, stay tuned!
Below, is a little something extra....
---------------------------------------
Extra Bite™ :D
The very artistically talented, Xgameworks (http://www.xgameworks.com/), has been in negotiations with the major console makers, Sony and Nintendo. (Deals with Microsoft appear to be finalized, and they'll be creating games on Xbox soon)
"Currently negotiations with Nintendo company and Sony company are being undertaken, to develop games for Nintendo's Game Boy advance and Game Cube, and Sony's PS2."
It's been a while since, so negotiation should be over by now. Should everything go as plan, you're very likely to hear of this company and their projects in the near future. Just remember, you heard it here first. ;)
D-real out...
one!
----------------------------------
Other Updates: Part 1 (http://www.gametavern.net/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1110) Part 2 (http://www.gametavern.net/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1264) Part 3 (http://www.gametavern.net/forums/showthread.php?threadid=2864)