After helping out in ports of PC games to other platforms with its products, TransGaming Technologies rolls up its sleeves once more with the release of SwiftShader 2.0. Video game developers in need of a 3D rendering system based entirely in software for their projects on Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X may want to consider licensing this engine. Find the details at the full article.

Most PC users do not use the words "games", "Linux", and "fast" in the same sentence. While it is possible, it used to be a pain to run some of the newer PC games on the popular open-source operating system. Cedega 6.0 by TransGaming Inc. is looking to change that image.

This new Linux flavor is said to have improved graphics and performance which should be able to support the newer games. To date, this is the only commercial solution for gamers who have chosen to use Linux over the more popular Microsoft Windows.

Games of note that Cedega 6.0 supports include Bethesda Softworks’ Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, Electronic Arts’ Battlefield 2142 and Madden 2007, and Blizzard’s World of Warcraft. Lucas Smithen, TransGaming's Cedega Product Manager, spoke regarding the OS and its game compatibility, saying that, "The addition of Shader Model 2.0 support enables recent games to be played at the highest detail settings." He also added that the OS possesses "a superior FBO implementation" and "improvements to the ALSA support".

The operating system is said to have a new memory allocator and other enhancements that should improve game performance. TransGaming Inc.'s Cedega 6.0 is expected to be so revolutionary that it will eliminate the need to redevelop the more popular games.

We have to wait and see if the OS delivers all TransGaming promises it would. You can download Cedega 6.0 through TransGaming’s subscription service or via certain global resellers and OEM partners.

 

ELSPA unveiled their anti-piracy plans for 2007 and they're taking off the kid gloves and taking on online and digital thieves. According to ELSPA Director">Paul Jackson, ELSPA director general, the organization is not only ready to tackle both political and public opinion battles but is "perfectly prepared to deal with the new forms of theft that are coming forward."

This year ELSPA aims to forge a closer tie with the UK Government in five major areas:

• Promoting education for new industry entrants
• Highlighting the economic importance of the UK games industry
  
• Taking a stronger stance on piracy.
• Promoting the public's understanding of the educational and social benefits of gaming
• Demonstrating the importance of games as a part of digital and creative culture

But it is the organization's anti-piracy unit that gets the most "weapons upgrade" this year. ELSPA is funneling more resources for combating online and digital theft and plans to lobby for stronger laws. In addition, ELSPA is seeking additional powers for Trading Standards, the police and Customs on the issue.

"Our aim is to a lot more in-depth investigative anti-piracy work, as opposed to the anti-piracy work... in the past. And that needs a different type of anti-piracy unit, which is what we've been constructing," said Jackson.

According to Transgaming Technologies, more than US$ 3 billion are lost worldwide to video game piracy every year.