IBM, Startup Launch Massive 'Grid' for Online Gaming
Posted by Marcel Klum on 10 May 2002 - 10:41 · 1 comment & 205 views
About the Author
Full name: Marcel Klum
Forum name: Redmak
Contact: via forum PM
Submissions: Normal · Headline
Full name: Marcel Klum
Forum name: Redmak
Contact: via forum PM
Submissions: Normal · Headline
Slashdot It!
Submit to reddit
Submit to blinklist
Bookmark on del.icio.us
Add to furl
Share on Facebook
Add to Windows Live
Add to Google
The "Butterfly Grid" will also be one of the first major commercial applications for IBM's concept of "grid computing," in which far-flung computers are linked using open-source software to create powerful computing networks, IBM said.
The Internet already exists as a platform for interactive games, but the costs of developing for the Web are high and games can be interrupted by glitches in Internet traffic.
Currently, most massively-multiplayer online games can support multiple users in the hundreds of thousands, but Penberthy said accommodating millions of simultaneous users was possible if games were built correctly.
He also said those users will experience more reliability in their games and smoother game-play.
"I think what they'll see is a lot of the 'jitter' go away," Penberthy said.
THQ said Spears underwent a cyber-scan to create the most realistic 3D model possible. The game is compatible with most dance or beat pads so that players can watch a digital Spears dance on-screen and attempt to match the dance moves on the dance pad.
“It is so cool that I have my very own videogame,” Spears said in a statement. “THQ totally captured my dance moves perfectly. I was blown away by how realistic everything looks!”
THQ vice chairman and COO said “Britney’s Dance Beat … is a new form of entertainment that blends gaming with music, videos and behind-the-scenes access for fans.”
The game is the first to release for a next generation game system under THQ’s exclusive agreement with Britney Brands Inc. to publish games featuring Britney Spears. Britney’s Dance Beat for Game Boy Advance is also available and a PC version will ship in June.