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Ubisoft Acquires Multiplayer Middleware Company
Today Ubisoft announced the acquisition of Quazal Technologies, the Montreal-based middleware software provider the company worked with on Splinter Cell Conviction, Settlers 7, and the upcoming Assassin's Creed Brotherhood.
Quazal's Rendez-Vous cross-platform lobby solution has been used in the past by a variety of titles including Rock Band, Company of Heroes, and Dirt 2. The software handles matchmaking, tournaments, achievements, and clan support. The company also makes the Net-Z networking engine that has gained wide acceptance in the video game industry.
"The engineers at Quazal have honed their expertise over 12 years, and this acquisition guarantees Ubisoft a solid technology that will help us to attain the ambitious objectives of our online strategy,” said Ubisoft technology group executive director Quentin Gallet in a press statement.
We'll be curious to see if this technology finds its way into the next iterations of the long dormant Tom Clancy shooters, Ghost Recon, and Rainbow Six. Both Quazal products remain available for licensing to other publishers and developers.
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