Criterion to acquire MathEngine
They're edging ever closer, anyway
Criterion is moving ever closer to announcing its acquisition of MathEngine plc's middleware business. The proposed acquisition is subject to a number of conditions, including obtaining shareholder approval from both parties. The firm's RenderWare package already helps to power games like their own Burnout, and third party successes like Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 and Grand Theft Auto III on the PlayStation 2. MathEngine should help to cement Criterion's position as a major force in console middleware, by helping to divert developer/publisher resources away from expensive engine development and letting them focus on creativity and game design, although in practice, lots of people will just use it to churn out games at a faster rate - a bit cynical, but who can argue with games that actually hit their deadlines? David Lau-Kee, President and CEO of Criterion commented: "we are also continuously searching for ways in which we can further enhance our solutions and future-proof them for the gaming environments of tomorrow." Related Feature - Burnout GameCube review