Crysis and more importantly CryEngine 2 has been known as one of the most graphic intensive game engines on the market today. That’s all about to change as Crytek has just come forward to let us know that CryEngine 3 has officially launched which means we should be seeing a whole slew of titles using the engine.

One of the most important features of CryEngine 3 is that it allows for painless mutliplatform development so if you can make something for the PC, chances are it will convert to PS3 code almost effortlessly.

Below Crytek head honcho Cevat Yerli comments on the engine’s release:

“With its scalable graphics and computation it is next-gen-ready and with new features like CryEngine 3 Live Create the best choice for game developers and companies developing serious games applications alike. It is the only game engine solution that enables real-time development and can ensure teams are able to maximize their own creativity, save budget and create greater gaming experiences.”

via joystiq

For those of you who are already Crysis fans, a 3vs3 PowerStruggle Tournament, powered by Multiplay, has been detailed, along with an interesting interview with Senior Sound Designer Florian Fusslin.

Read (MyCrysis)

Crysis was known for its great graphics capable of melting pretty much any rig you threw at it but Crytek failing to release the game on consoles evidentally wasn’t a very smart move as they were missing out on a huge chunk of change.

Well, it looks like the company has woken up as Crytek president and CEO Cevat Yerli was quoted to say the following:

“It’s a question of more than economics. At the end of the day we’re paying salaries and we all have to live, but that’s one side of this job. But most importantly and a bit more tangible to us are the families, the nephews, and sons who ask, ‘Why aren’t you going to consoles?’”

So not only did they need to do it for the money, but they were doing it to make those poor Crysis deprived children happy. You get em’ Crytek!

Read (Kotaku)

As for the PC version, “…will outscale and outperform the consoles,” Yerli said. “Between each console I believe the experience will be finally both next-generation, but similar experience.”

“Our mindset, goal and approach was to look at deliver the best FPS when we ship, not just for a specific platform,” he said. “So that approach won’t be different, just this time the challenge is not only to lead, but to make sure that our leading FPS is accessible and enjoyable by the widest possible audience possible.”

Read (The Escapist)

Crytek is developing the sequel, Crysis 2 for multiple platforms and have entered into an arrangement with EA to publish it. Both companies are excited, with Crytek being stoked about their first console title and the continuation of the Crysis franchise and EA exchanging high fives and chest bumps about pulling a quality studio like Crytek into what could likely be an ongoing business relationship.

Just as previously reported, the trial for Crysis Wars has officially went live today. The will will run until April 17th and will allow players to play both online multiplayer along with LAN multiplayer.

That’s not all as Crytek has went ahead and announced the entrance of Crysis Maximum Edition marketed towards latecomers on the Crysis scene, hitting May 5th. Included in the Maximum Edition is Crysis, Crysis Warhead, and Crysis Wars priced at an honest $39.99.

Honestly though, Crytek, will all of your games have titles that are just variations of “Crysis“?

You can get more information on the Crysis Wars trial, here.

Read (Joystiq)

Last month it was revealed that Crytek, alongside EA, had filed to trademark “WARFACE” as well.

Usually developers file trademarks very early in the development process, sometimes even years, so it might be a while until we hear more about the unannounced projects from Crytek.

Crytek’s Official Modding Portal has given word that a new trial period for Crysis Wars is on the way. Begining April 9th, players will be able to access both LAN and online multiplayer modes for the game. Access to the editor will also be included with the trial client.

More information is to be updated soon, including download links and other goodies.

Read (CryMod)

One of the most intriguing titles that was announced to be provided by OnLive is Crysis, the game that makes consumer computers cower in fear.

Well, it looks like Crytek, (the guys behind Crysis) aren’t very confident in OnLive’s ability to, well, work properly.

Crytek CEO Cevat Yerli argues that since the service relies so heavily on broadband connection which aren’t very cheap or accesible at the moment, OnLive won’t be able to reach a big enough market that would help turn a profit.

However, Yerli believes that sometime between 2013 and 2015 these connections will be readily available and a service like OnLive will actually work. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

Read (GamesIndustry.biz)

Watch the trailer here.

CryTek’s previous engine, the CryEngine 2, was successfully used in Crysis and Crysis: Warhead. The developer did not mention any games that would use the new engine, but one can always count on Crysis 2. More details on CryEngine 3 will be available at GDC.

Considering that only the highest of the high-end PCs have been able to fully appreciate CryEngine 2, hopefully this time the new engine scales better and runs better or low end mid-end hardware.

As if the Crysis games didn’t require a beefy enough computer as it is, Crytek has added another variable into the equation.

They have recently released a patch that, just in case your computer is godly enough, adds 64-bit support for Windows XP x64 and Windows Vista 64-bit version to Crysis Warhead. You can download the patch via the read link.

Full log below:

Windows Vista: Mouse cursor should no longer have an offset in the menu.
Windows Vista: Unrequested launches in windowed mode should occur less often now.
Timedemo can now be started from the command line.
Better dynamic texture support for enthusiast mode.

New Features

Added 64-bit executables for Windows XP x64 and Windows Vista 64-bit version. In Windows XP x64 a new shortcut will be placed under the Crysis Warhead program group. In Windows Vista right-click the Crysis Warhead icon in Game Explorer and choose to run the game in 64-bit mode.

Known Issues

Games saved in 32-bit won’t work properly when running the 64-bit version and vice-versa.

Read (FilePlanet)

“Crysis Warhead will receive a patch in the new year,” wrote the studio. “It’s almost finished thanks to some hard work from the Warhead team, so that’s something to look forward to.”

The company also noted that an editor and SDK will be their next priority. While no exact timeframe for release was given, Crytek pointed out that “good progress” was being made and that they hope to release it “sooner rather than later.”

Crysis

"As most of you will already be aware we have not included our Sandbox Editor or MOD SDK with the disc for Crysis Warhead or Crysis Wars," reads a post from a Crytek community manager.

He writers further, stating that the studio focused on delivering the gameplay experience and to get both single and multiplayer modes perfect. However, they are now working on the editor and SDK solution for the recently-released semi-sequel, adding that it will be released “as soon as it is complete and available.”

EA and Crytek are gearing for the launch of Crysis Warhead, their latest foray into the world of PC gaming.

Touted as a parrallel story to that of the original Crysis, Crysis Warhead will follow Sergeant Michael ‘Psycho’ Sykes through his story which is taking place on the opposite side of the island from the first game.

While the original game was often criticized for requiring a macho-beefy gaming rig, it was noted by the developers that CryEngine2 (what the game runs on) has been optimized for Crysis Warhead, giving the game the ability to run on less decked-out PCs. The only thing is means, however, is that the High and Very High settings will run better on lesser PCs, the minimum and recommended requirements will be identical to those of the original.

The game will be available on DVD as well as on Valve’s Steam service for virtual download. The game will go on sale the 18th and is expected to retail for less than your run of the mill computer game.

The games are already up for pre-order, with a special bonus for those purchasing both games at once.

Crysis Warhead is an expansion, letting gamers take control of a character, witnessing his exploits on the opposite side of the island during the events of Crysis.

The game was reportedly developed using the following specifications as a benchmark for 30fps smooth gameplay at high settings, though screen resolution wasn’t disclosed.

• Intel Core 2 Duo E7300 2.66 GHz 3M CPU
• NVIDIA GeForce 9800GT 512MB GPU
• G31 mATX Motherboard
• 2 GB RAM
• 250GB 7200RPM 3G SATAII Hard Drive
• 16X DVD-ROM
• Integrated 10/100/1000 Network Adapter
• Integrated Realtek High-Def Audio
• Keyboard & Mouse Included
• Ultra X-Blaster ATX Mid-Tower Black Case
• 1 Year Parts & Labor Warranty

The computer will sell for $699 and is expected to launch alongside the game on September 16.

Shacknews got the chance to play the coming game on their Crysis-ready PC, which will be priced at $699 and is being developed by EA, Crytek, NVIDIA and system builder UltraPC.

The computer packs a Core Duo E7300 (2.66GHz) processor coupled with a 9800GT GPU and 2GB. This system was reportedly the internal benchmark the developer used when developing the game; it is said to run the game at an average of 30 frames per second, though resolution wasn’t specified.

More details are expected soon. This system is expected to launch alongside the game on September 16.

However, Penumbra game writer Tom Jubert disagrees, saying that piracy can no longer be employed as he “catch-all excuse”.

To back up his argument, Jubert cites figures from GameShadow Metrics, saying that the Crysis piracy factor is 1:5 instead of Crytek CEO claiming that for every one licensed copy of Crysis there were twenty pirated copies. He also notes that there is a 3:7 ratio in the UK.

“Of course, that’s not to say that Yerli is wrong,” concedes Jubert, “[it's] only that 1:15 is a potentially misleading statistic.” He also notes that it is difficult to measure the actual number of high-end gaming PCs in use, so claims like “consoles sell more” are equally unfounded.

Their source states that the studio is focusing on the consoles’ threading cores, with the team taking its time with the PS3 version, hoping to make best use of the Cell processor for enhanced graphics, improved AI and more.

It is yet to be confirmed by Crytek or EA, the publisher.