Note: For those who weren't following since part 1...these updates will feature 3 developers who you will probably be hearing about in the (near?) future, as their software will be heading to GameCube. Some of these developers you'll probably know, while others are a little more of a mystery. As you read along, it's
unlikely you'll learn of anything
major(though possible), but, you are sure to find some interesting bits and peices in between 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 updates(again, all links at the bottom).
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Featuring:
HotGen Studios
Info: From South London, UK, their 10, 000 square foot "digital production facility base" provides the perfect environment for their 3 divisions which are assigned respectively to the handheld, PC & current-gen consoles, and networked entertainment departmemt. Specifically, HotGen developes games for contrated clients on platforms including; PS2, Xbox, GameCube, PC and GBA(also responsible for a past GBC games).
GameCube Support: While you have--for the most part-- only heard of the still-in-development
World's Scariest Police Chases, for PS2, HotGen is indeed working on a GameCube version(please note that HotGen Studios were
not responsible for previous incarnations of this game--on PS and PC--which received below average ratings from well-respected publications). It's stated that a
large team is involved in the aformentioned GCN game. Specifically, only the GCN and Xbox version were mentioned(hopefully, the PS2 version is still sheduled..but meh, what do I care...)
Notable: This bit may interest some of you. Hotgen has apparently already began development on a batman game. I originally thought that maybe they were developing Batman: Dark Tomorrow, for publishers Kemco. However, both IGN and Gamespot(among other sites) seem to reinterate that Kemco will develop that title in-house. So, unless those sites have their infomation crossed--which I doubt--I'd say we're looking at a totally new (unanounced) batman game here. Coming to a Cube near you!
That's not all though, part of their past job listing, led me to believe that this game was conceived on GameCube, and/or is further ahead in development compared to the other consoles. It read:
"main duties [for lead artist of the unspecified Batman game]will include: ... the management and conversion of GameCube assets to Xbox and PS2..." If It was indeed started on GameCube, then that will be the base for performance. That's definitely a sweet and welcomed change, since, lately PS2 (and to a lesser extent, Xbox) is always the lead console for various games. With GameCube being the lead console, it's owners should have
much less worries about how well their version of the game will run.
(
Side note: I recalled Hotgen Studios looking into GameCube development everysince it was code named "Dolphin." I'm getting the impression the team got really involved since then. But, that's merely a feeling ).
Featuring:
Zombie Studios
Info: Founded by Mark Long and Joanna Alexander in 1994, this Seattle based company has come a long way since then, and now, perhaps earned the right to claim to be
"an industry-leading independent developer of games, websites, animations and location based entertainment." We'll eventually see how/if their talent crosses over to their future GC project(s).
GameCube Support: Zombie Studios develop for numerous platform ranging from PC to GBA. Zombie is, however, said to be focusing development on current-generation consoles; PS2, Xbox and GCN. Given that Shrapnal is their only
known tittle in development that's being released for consoles(Xbox and PS2--though, for PC as well), it could be a likely candidate for a GameCube debut. Check out a (concept) screen
here, and some art
here. If Strapnal doesn't make the cut, then something totally new might. Either way is ok with me.
Notable: Zombie Studios is armed with an arsenal of powerful development tools ranging from Lithtech's Cabalt system, to their Jupiter system, meanwhile, were also seeking to license Lithtech's Descovery System, a premiere solution
"for creating rich and powerful massively multiplayer games." Still, I'm not sure how those tools will aid GameCube projects. I know that Lithtech, in particular, has a PS2 and Xbox version of two of their relatively popular tool sets, but they don't appear to have any that are optimized for GameCube. Maybe that will change, although, I'm sure Zombie has everything covered. Well, I hope...
Featuring:
Netdol Entertainment
Info: This well organized Korean based company seems to be making a name for itself and constantly expanding. Besides their marketing department(which is also sub-divided), their resourse and development department consist of a game development team, system management team and a game design team. Perhaps, it's this kind of organization that allows them optimum performance. Netdol Entertainment is a registered GameCube & GBA developer, but also planning to expand into animation and publishing areas.
GameCube Support: At the fundation of their vision, Netdol promises to;
"approach to our customers with best qualities and services through MMOG(Multi Platform On-line Game) filed". That alone already makes you wonder what they could possibly have in store for GameCube. It gets even better though. Their current technology solutions reveal some interesting details. They are working on a "Game for GBA & GameCube." Apparently, it'll make use of these systems' compatibility. That's not all! Netdol is;
"Developing Multi Platform Online Game clutching between GBA and GameCube". The
sparse details seem to imply some sort of online communication infrastructure to possibly facilitate the aforemention GCN-GBA game. Although it's likely that I've hit the nail on the head, it's still merely my speculation.
Notable: With the core of their game-related business focused almost exclusively on online/network games & applications, it's becomes interesting to note, since Netdol Entertainment has no current PS2 or Xbox connections. GameCube and GBA (along with some PC applications) seem to be their current focus right now! Sweet!
Well, that's it for now, there are many exciting GameCube supporters out there(some, lesser-known than most), and (hopefully) in my next update I'll take a look at another three. So stay tunned!
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Other Updates: Part 1 Part 2 Part 4
Developer Trio: Part 3 (good read!)
Linear Mode
