Of course, the sensible thing would be to use an existing game engine, but after a certain point, there is some curiosity if learning and fighting yet another game engine is really quicker that just writing something from scratch.
AustralianIT reports that Victorian developers will receive their free PlayStation 2 developer kits from the Victorian Government sponsored PS2 Developer Kit Program (we've had this news in our developers section for a while).
"A WORLD-FIRST scheme to underwrite the cost of PlayStation 2 development kits for local developers will boost Australia's games development industry.
A number of Victorian games developers will receive kits, which normally cost more than $20,000, for free in a government…
Sumea members, you can now upload your profile avatars on the site! These pictures (which can be of you, or anything really) will show up in your journal page, and section pages (whenever you write some news).. So g'wan! Get your avatars uploaded! Instructions are in the members section....
Sydney Morning Herald reports that Microsoft 'could' be stopping the sales of Xboxs in Australia.
"Microsoft would be forced to reconsider selling the Xbox video game system in Australia, or seek changes to the law, following the acquittal in July of a Sydney man alleged to have sold chips that modify a Sony PlayStation 2 to play imported games, Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer said yesterday."
Of course, it might all be a plot for us to buy what's left now, just in case. ;) Read the…
Alias|Wavefront have announced that the Mental Ray plugin for Maya 4.5 is now free and available for download. Mental Ray is a top notch renderer, and previously costed $3,995 (US) on its own. For more information and to download "Mental Ray plugin for Maya 1.5", click here.
Auran has released 4 new screenshots of their upcoming title, Ultimate Trainz. They also report that owners of their previous title, Trainz, will be offered a 22.5% discount for Ultimate Trainz. Get the details here.
Just some small news on games here in Australia. Ausgamers reports the good news that Unreal Tournament 2003 will be in stores today or tomorrow..
And with all the fiasco that's happening with BMX XXX, it looks like its not even going to make it here. Zdnet reports that..
"The Melbourne office of Acclaim Entertainment Inc. has today announced that its title "BMX XXX" originally planned for release late in November 2003, has been refused classification by the OFLC and will subsequently not be…
Thanks to Blitz for posting in the forum that the Australian Game Developer Conference website has been updated with the schedule timetable. A new speaker has also been announced, and happens to be non other than John Romero!
Developers, make sure you take part in the Australian game developers awards - start nominating now!!, and those of you with an unsigned game, get over there and let them know!
"By submitting your unsigned game in the Australian Game Developer (AGD) Awards, you may be…
Sydney based developers, Perception, have put up a few pages on their new website. You will find a bit of history about Perception, and what sort of games they've done in the past. They also hint on some big news about their next game that will be announced soon..
"While producing its own original content titles, the company is also working closely a major film studio on a licensed property for all major platforms which it hope to announce shortly. The game is an action packed First Person…
