Gaming, mobile and desktop middleware provider Scaleform, which specializes in hardware-accelerated user interfaces and vector graphics engines for the gaming industry, has partnered with IGN's GameSpy division to create the Scaleform Lobby multiplayer networking interface.
Scaleform Lobby is a multiplayer interface solution designed to be employed out-of-the-box with the aim of reducing development costs. It is built on the Scaleform GFx vector graphics interface, allowing developers to customize the UI using Adobe Flash studio.
It is comprised of components for account creation and management, server browser, buddy systems, statistics and matchmaking functionality, along with integrated chat supporting rich text emoticons and Asian IME text input, plus preconfiguration with 10 languages. Scaleform Lobby be integrated into a game's existing network infrastructure or utilized with GameSpy's services.
Scaleform and Gamespy collaborated with Crytek, testing the lobby interface with
Crysis, and GameSpy will employ Scaleform Lobby with the claimed 500 console, handheld and PC titles that use its online technology.
GameSpy director of sales and marketing Drew Curby commented, "This collaboration will help our customers reduce the time and expense of creating custom in-game multiplayer interfaces, while improving the overall consumer experience and functionality."
