RakNet Multiplayer Network Engine Adds PlayStation 3 Support

Open-source network game engine RakNet is adding PlayStation 3 support, developer Jenkins Software announced. RakNet, used in the development of Sony Online Entertainment's Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune on PlayStation Network, will now support online matchmaking, audio and video chat, and title user storage via PSN. RakNet is a C++ game networking engine that also supports Xbox 360, Linux, Mac and iPhone development. It includes features like object replication, remote procedure calls, patching, secure connections, voice chat, and real-time SQL logging. It's aimed primarily at developing multiplayer games, says the developer. "We budgeted a substantial amount towards network integration, but RakNet dramatically reduced the cost," says Jason King, former SOE technical director who worked on Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune for PSN. "Support was excellent," adds King. "Since the two games’ releases, both Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune have had flawless network performance."