Sponsored Feature: Intel Calls All Game Companies as Partners
In an Intel-sponsored feature, the company explains the benefits of the Intel Software Partner Program, a free initiative for game companies which includes development help, tools, and computer discounts.
The cites notes the growth of integrated graphics, and notes that there are various steps developers can take to squeeze unexpected performance out of such hardware:
"Integrated graphics already dominate over discrete graphics at a ratio of nearly 2:1 in terms of market segment share, and that ratio is expected to grow substantially over the next several years.
"Discrete graphics will continue to be widely used as well, of course, so enabling games to scale across the spectrum from mainstream graphics to high-end discrete solutions is just good business sense.
"A growing number of game companies are debunking the myth that 3D-based mainstream games require discrete graphics solutions, and as of second quarter 2008, Intel had more than a 47 percent market segment share for graphics hardware, with year-to-year growth of 46 percent.1
"Scott Brown, president of NetDevil Ltd., a game-development company in Louisville Colorado, sums it up: 'People with high-end machines need to see their investment pay off with our games, but at the same time, we'd be crazy not to target mainstream graphics hardware as well.'
"By tuning the scalable aspects of gameplay to the resources available, game companies can effectively expand their target user base, while still providing an optimal visual experience for everyone."
The feature goes on to explain specific benefits of the Intel program, including development assistance and discounts on development hardware.
