New A.I. middleware for PS3's SDK?

[mckmas8808]

Kynogon has announced Kynapse support for Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.'s Tools & Middleware program for PlayStation 3. Game developers for PlayStation 3 will be able to access all Kynapse functionalities and tools to create non-player characters with advanced behavior.

Kynapse 4.0, which will support the PlayStation 3, introduces technology called "Large scale A.I." The new technology is meant to address specific AI needs, such as existing algorithms limitations when dealing with large, detailed, terrains and huge numbers of NPCs; handling megabytes of AI data at runtime; getting NPCs to understand their environment topographically, and how to take advantage of the PS3 architecture.

http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=7940

Is this for the middleware SDK for the PS3 that all devs can use? If so damn Sony is really spending that money.

 

[DeanA]

Is this for the middleware SDK for the PS3 that all devs can use? If so damn Sony is really spending that money.

Well, there's no such thing as the 'middleware SDK' for PS3. Just the SDK. I think this is just something that devs can buy in for their projects, rather than something that's included for free - as Havok/Ageia are. If it were part of the SDK, I'd have expected a press release from SCEI.

For a company to produce commercial PS3 software that can be made available to PS3 developers, I believe they have to sign a Tools & Middleware license.. this press release would appear to just be a case of Kynogon going 'Look! Over here! We've signed the license, so now we can sell you AI code for PS3!'

Cheers,
Dean

 

[mckmas8808]

Well, there's no such thing as the 'middleware SDK' for PS3. Just the SDK. I think this is just something that devs can buy in for their projects, rather than something that's included for free - as Havok/Ageia are. If it were part of the SDK, I'd have expected a press release from SCEI.

For a company to produce commercial PS3 software that can be made available to PS3 developers, I believe they have to sign a Tools & Middleware license.. this press release would appear to just be a case of Kynogon going 'Look! Over here! We've signed the license, so now we can sell you AI code for PS3!'

Cheers,
Dean

Of okay thanks. I was confused by the wording of the press release. For the PS3 Kynogon stated that they announced support for the "Tools and Middleware program", whereas for the Xbox 360 they announced support for the "Xbox 360 system".

It was just a play on words I guess. Thanks for answering.

 

[Shifty Geezer]

I believe the 'Middleware Program' is the program of promoting 3rd party middleware solutions to PS3 developers. It incorporates things like SpeedTree, which are optional libraries/solutions developers can buy into.

 

[Kb-Smoker]

Of okay thanks. I was confused by the wording of the press release. For the PS3 Kynogon stated that they announced support for the "Tools and Middleware program", whereas for the Xbox 360 they announced support for the "Xbox 360 system".

It was just a play on words I guess. Thanks for answering.

Yeah i also thought the samething as you.

Here is the sony announcement for this program.

http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/pdf/050927ae.pdf

 

[Platon]

getting NPCs to understand their environment topographically, and how to take advantage of the PS3 architecture.

That above sentence is a bit funny, I hadn't realized that developers are now a days called NPCs:smile: ...

 

[London Geezer]

That above sentence is a bit funny, I hadn't realized that developers are now a days called NPCs:smile: ...

Well technically you can't really play with them, so they ARE NPCs

 

[Belmontvedere]

AI in videogames has just been a bunch of hype and hyperbole. Really, what's the best example of AI in a videogame? The gang members in GTA:SA? The bots in Unreal Tournament? The zombies in Stubbs the Zombie? Color me unimpressed. Maybe this kind of middleware will make a difference finally (probably not).