BigWorld and GNi Partner For MMO Development and Server Solutions

Canberra, Australia-based BigWorld, which provides technology solutions of MMOs and virtual world games, has announced a partnership with San Jose, California's Global Netoptex, Inc. Under the deal, GNi will provide hosting and management services to BigWorld's clients. GNi's new Oakland hosting facility will be the first to support BigWorld's integrated technical solutions into its servers. BigWorld middleware, which includes BigWorld Server, Content Creation Tools, 3D Client Engine, and Live Management Tools, is used to power MMO and virtual world games for a number of clients. These include Japan's GameArts and the U.S.'s Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment, among others. GNi's OGSi (Online Game Services, Inc.) unit operates the servers for the upcoming Hellgate: London for EA, Flagship Studios and Namco Bandai. James Hursthouse, director of GNi’s Games and Digital Media division said, "By extending GNi's philosophy of customization where necessary, standardization where appropriate, we’ll see increased advantages for BigWorld clients in terms of economies of scale and a centralized technical knowledge base as we build out BigWorld specific dedicated hosting sites. As with all GNi clients, the BigWorld offering is based around our 'pay-as-you-grow' approach."