Codemasters chases online future with Photon deal

Codemasters has licensed the Photon network engine for use in numerous multiplayer online games, the company has announced.

The deal suggests Codemasters will focus resources in building multiple browser-based online games.

Photon, built by Exit Games, will first be used in Codemasters’ F1 Online browser game, due for release soon.

“Codemasters will utilize Photon as its core network technology for multiple upcoming online games,” Exit Games said.

Photon tech is ideal for the development of MMOGs or first person shooters, the company added.

“We chose Photon for three reasons: first it provides us with proven, rock-solid and scalable technology,” said Codemasters technical online director Bryan Black.

“Second: we were really impressed by their team. We told them what we needed and they put together a fantastic demo which gave us a lot of confidence. That was really convincing. However, in the end, the price tag must fit as well, so the final reason was their competitive pricing.”

Last week Codemasters confirmed it is in the process of shutting down its Guildford studio. As many as 70 jobs will be affected.