E3 2011: Kojima unveils the Fox Engine; KojiPro's multiplatform engine

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Acclaimed video game director Hideo Kojima unveiled new technology codenamed the "Fox Engine" as part of Konami's 2011 Pre-E3 Show. This next-generation, multi-platform gaming engine will power a new project from Mr. Kojima, which is said to be something new from the designer after over a decade focused on directing Metal Gear Solid games.

No specific title was shown on the "Fox Engine", as Kojima still wants to keep the project under wraps. Instead, a technological showcase was presented showing the engine running in realtime using test assets that may or may not be related to the game. The demo featured a young boy running through a jungle similar to that seen in Metal Gear Solid 3, only with a tremendous jump in scope, effects and detail. In addition to the boy, there is a horse and a dog seen in the environment, both with realistic detailing rather than stylish interpretation.

The demonstration was run using an Xbox 360 dev kit, but the engine is built to run on PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and other advanced gaming platforms. Kojima himself is directing a game on the "Fox Engine" that is planned for release across multiple platforms and with "Transfarring" (a new PS3-to-NGP cross-connectivity feature) enabled. Work on this Kojima Productions original engine was begun shortly after the completion of MGS4, with further development informed by the development of Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. The technology is, in part, made to provide a complete development suite for Konami developers, allowing for great-looking titles on reasonably shorter development schedules, according to Kojima.

Source: http://uk.psp.ign.com/articles/117/1172420p1.html

[The Teej]

Next-generation? Does this mean it can run on PS4/720/Caf? as well?

[TheLegendOfMart]

No it just means its the next generation compared to his old MGS4 engine, dont see why it couldnt be ported to the next-gen consoles. Seems a bit wierd to create a new engine now on the cusp of new consoles.

[HawkMan]

It doesn't seem terribly impressive though, neither the ground or the horse hairs impress at all. The skin shading seems decent, but it's an easy envioroment and example for good skin shading though.

[George P Global Moderator]

Sorry guys, this is nice and all, and I'm all for newer engines and gfx updates but come on, after seeing frostbite 2 and BF3.... ya...

[Yusuf M. Veteran]

I'd hardly call that "next-gen". CryENGINE 2 looks better. As HawkMan pointed out though, the skin looks pretty good. I guess they were going for something a little more practical than the engine used in MGS4 (in terms of ease of development).

[optimax]

Is that model supposed to be an action man or something? Looks so shiny and plasticy in that screenshot :x