Chinese online game operator Tencent has licensed Xaitment's AI game development tool XaitMap, a move that the middleware company said helps further establish its Asian business. XaitMap is an AI game development tool that allows developers such as Tencent to generate navigation meshes. The middleware "allows developers to specify where their computer-controlled characters can and cannot go through the large spaces of their game world," Germany-based Xaitment said. The tool has a graphical user interface and also allows for integration with existing game development platforms, the company added. The middleware provider said that the deal "reinforces Xaitment’s presence in Asia." In March, the firm said that it would be expanding into the Asian market with the appointment of an Asian sales VP, who is based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Tencent operates and develops online games in the Asian market. It operates one of China's leading online titles, Dungeon Fighter, as well as Xunxian and the Unreal Engine 3-powered A.V.A. Xaitment Group CEO Andreas Gerber called Tencent a "trendsetter," adding, "Tencent is investing in the trend of using AI middleware to reduce the costs associated with game production."