<![CDATA[Kotaku: crystal tools]]> http://cache.gawker.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/kotaku.com.png <![CDATA[Kotaku: crystal tools]]> http://kotaku.com/tag/crystal tools http://kotaku.com/tag/crystal tools <![CDATA[ Japanese Tech Is Not Behind Western Tech ]]> The from scratch engine that's powering Final Fantasy XIII was originally known as the White Engine. That's all changed! Now it's known as Crystal Tools. While Japanese developers like Square Enix and Capcom have created in-house engines, how do they stack up against their Western counterparts? Says Crystal Tools general manager Taku Murata:


Until the PS3 was launched, regarding the 360 and PS3, it is true. I agree that maybe Japanese game technology is behind because there were no previous experiences, or a base in that PC market in Japan back then. Since then, things have changed. Now, I think it has come to a point when the PC architecture and technologies have advanced...

I do think that in terms of the language barrier, yes, it still is a challenge. We do face those challenges in terms of communication, but in terms of technology, I don't think we're behind. We probably have conquered that problem...or probably we have gone across that point and advanced.


So yes, tech no problem, language big problem. See, that seems like from what Murata is saying, Japanese engine architecture has caught up super quick... Well, at least at Square Enix, that is.
Crystal Tools Talk [Gamasutra] ]]> Tue, 15 Apr 2008 22:00:08 MDT Brian Ashcraft http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=380213&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ Square-Enix Rechristens White Engine, Plans To Bring It To Wii ]]> Taku Murata, general manager of Square-Enix's research and development division, announced at today's GDC session that the company has dropped the White Engine name for its cross-platform game engine. Squenix is now pitching it as Crystal Tools, showing off a fancy new logo that extends the Final Fantasy brand even further.

While the internal, companywide development platform was originally understood to be built for PlayStation 3 development (specifically, Final Fantasy XIII and Final Fantasy versus XIII), it is being designed with multiple platforms, including the Xbox 360 and PC, in mind. Murata also confirmed that a version is being readied for the Wii, which is still very early, but we don't expect it to kick out visuals on par with the PS3.

]]> Fri, 22 Feb 2008 14:20:00 MST Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=359811&view=rss&microfeed=true