Intel not going to be a games developer.
Did you know that Intel purchased a game developer working on a first person shooter? The developer was Offset Software, working on Project Offset – was, being the key here, as Intel has officially shut down the project.
Big Download the following official statement from Intel:
Intel purchased Offset Software to improve our game development knowledge-base and to further Intel's visual computing technology development expertise, helping the company offer robust products, support, and tools to customers. With the recent changes in our product roadmap, some of the resources and technologies from the acquisition are being re-applied to help support new graphics related projects. Additionally, other Offset Software team members have moved onto other external projects outside the company.
While it's unlikely that Intel was looking to become a game development house, the addition of Offset Software was likely due to having an in-house team to held aid in Larrabee design and testing. Now that Larrabee isn't happening in the way Intel originally planned, the founders of Offset have taken their game-making skills independent again.
Sam McGrath, one of the founders of Offset Software, told Big Download, "Yes, we have indeed parted ways with Intel and I, along with the other original founders of Offset, have started Fractiv. Unfortunately I can't say any more than that at this stage but I'm looking forward to answering your questions in the near future."
This is what Project Offset was looking like:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhd6okJjLbY&feature=related
It's too bad that quite a few anticipated games get the axe for no real reason.
Sucks for all those artists, animators, and coders who just saw their AAA quality work go nowhere and have to start over.
Sam McGrath goes on to say:
"Unfortunately I can't say any more than that at this stage but I'm looking forward to answering your questions in the near future."
If you read between the lines, this means that he's in talks with a new publisher, but since the deal's not hammered down, he cannot disclose any details at this time, but the inference there is that he will reveal a new partnership with a different publisher within the next few months. His statement about looking forward to answering questions soon is indicative of that.
Oh and be sure to check out the other gameplay videos on youtube, the one shown in this article is only the tip of the iceberg, look for the one with the crossbow and the giant city falling down, the game looks astonishing.
Edit: Typo, changed "one" to "done" in first sentence.
Click the "Read the comments on the forums" link at the top of the comments section.
I also agree with what you said. It's sad to see them lose the publisher, but considering Intel was probably more of a boon to the developers instead of a help I'm kind of glad they're breaking off.
I've been following PO since about summer of 05 and holy crap, it still looks amazing.
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/toms-hardware-comments,9877.html