AMD this week announced that Crytek and AMD have entered into a technology partnership that will add native Mantle graphics API support to CRYENGINE. CRYENGINE is the latest iteration of the industry-leading game engine that has powered Crytek gaming titles since 2004. AMD's Mantle API makes creating games for the PC more efficient than ever. Launched in September 2013, Mantle works by streamlining communication between a gamer's CPU and GPU. By alleviating communication bottlenecks and making efficient use of existing PC hardware, Mantle helps improve overall game performance.

"AMD is delighted to bring Mantle support to the enormous audience of gamers and game developers reached by Crytek's CRYENGINE," said Ritche Corpus, director of ISV gaming and alliances, AMD. "Together, AMD and Crytek are forging a path for the graphics industry that better utilizes gamers' advanced AMD GPUs through 'closer-to-the-metal' API design." The potent combination of Mantle and CRYENGINE empowers game developers to accelerate PC development and extract unprecedented gaming performance, exclusively from AMD products with Graphics Core Next (GCN) architecture.

Linux fans could soon cross the biggest checkbox on their lists, which reads "can it run Crysis?" Game developer Crytek is poised to reveal a variant of CryEngine 3 with native support for Linux, at GDC 2014, slated for next week. The move should pave the way for Linux (catalyzed by Steam OS) ports of games such as Crysis 3 and Nexuiz. It remains to be seen how its publisher EA handles the development.

While Nexuiz developer IllFonic won't have problems distributing their game over Steam, perhaps even with SteamPlay support, Crytek has to deal with EA. Crysis 3 is distributed over EA's Origin platform, and the publisher has no concrete plans for an Origin client for Linux. So what's the big hurry in porting CryEngine 3 to Linux? Perhaps Crytek's other, non-gaming clients hold the answer. CryEngine 3 powers "serious games," military combat simulators, civil aviation simulators, etc. Of these, the military would want to run simulators on open-source operating systems (so it could scrutinize the code). It could hence help Crytek to have a Linux version of CryEngine 3.

Today at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) AMD (NYSE: AMD) unveiled its leadership strategy for the worldwide gaming market. AMD's Unified Gaming Strategy comprehensively addresses how AMD will drive the gaming market across consoles, cloud platforms, tablets and PCs. By working with the world's leading hardware and game developers, and by continuing to be a leader in the market by providing the most innovative graphics technologies, AMD is effectively positioned to drive the next revolution in gaming.

Gaming Evolved, launched three years ago at GDC, is at the core of the AMD Unified Gaming Strategy, and has been the driving force behind the revolutionary "Never Settle" gaming bundles and a major factor behind the adoption of powerful AMD engines in the latest next-generation gaming consoles. Building on this momentum, AMD today introduced AMD Radeon Sky Graphics, the cornerstone of AMD's industry-leading cloud gaming platform.

AMD (NYSE: AMD) today announced the North American launch of its Gaming Evolved title "Crysis 3". Working closely with Crytek, elite AMD engineers optimized "Crysis 3" to enable incredible performance on AMD Radeon graphics cards, powered by the award-winning AMD Graphics Core Next (GCN) architecture. The AMD/Crytek alliance accelerates "Crysis 3" with the world's fastest1 graphics processing unit (GPU), the AMD Radeon 7970 GHz Edition. This announcement comes just two weeks after the launch of the highly-acclaimed "Never Settle: Reloaded" bundle from AMD.

"'Crysis 3' is designed and optimized to be played on AMD Radeon graphics. No other GPU delivers the visual experience or next-generation features of AMD Radeon," said Matt Skynner, corporate vice president and general manager, AMD Graphics. "Our close collaboration with Crytek means the robust AMD GCN architecture is fully exploited by 'Crysis 3' code paths. We set out to deliver the best gaming experience possible for enthusiasts, and frankly we've accomplished this through the Gaming Evolved program. The best way to enjoy it is through the 'Never Settle Reloaded' bundle."

AMD (NYSE: AMD) today announced the arrival of its "Never Settle: Reloaded" game bundle, the sequel to last year's monumental "Never Settle" bundle. "Never Settle: Reloaded" delivers by bundling up to four of this year's most anticipated PC games -- "BioShock Infinite" by 2K Games and Irrational Games, "Crysis 3" by Electronic Arts, "DmC Devil May Cry" by Capcom and "Tomb Raider" by Square Enix -- with select AMD Radeon HD 7900 and HD 7800 Series graphics cards. The bundle highlights the continued commitment by AMD to ensure an incredible gaming experience on the world's top PC titles optimized for AMD Radeon graphics cards

"AMD knows gaming and in 2013 we plan to make a huge mark on the industry. Today we begin that journey by showing the world that the best PC game developers are AMD Gaming Evolved partners," said Matt Skynner, corporate vice president and general manager of AMD Graphics. "The 'Never Settle: Reloaded' bundle clearly stands apart from anything else in the market. Gaming has always been, and will remain, the core of the AMD Graphics strategy and success. In 2013, we plan to forge greater inroads into the gaming industry and it begins with packaging this year's biggest games with the best graphics hardware from AMD." The "Never Settle: Reloaded" bundle offers the following games when purchased with select AMD Radeon HD 7900 and HD 7800 Series graphics cards:

The seemingly age-old question 'Will it run Crysis?' is back with a vengeance as EA has provided the system requirements for the third installment of Crytek's first-person shooter. Set for a February 2013 release, Crysis 3 'demands' the following:

Minimum

• Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8
• DirectX 11 graphics card with 1 GB Video RAM
• Dual core CPU
• 2 GB Memory (3 GB on Vista)
• Example 1 (Nvidia/Intel):
  o Nvidia GTS 450
  o Intel Core2 Duo 2.4 GHz (E6600)
• Example 2 (AMD):
  o AMD Radeon HD5770
  o AMD Athlon64 X2 2.7 GHz (5200+)

Electronic Arts Inc. and developer Crytek GmbH, today announced that fans who pre-order Crysis 3 will receive a free digital download copy of the original Crysis game for Xbox 360, PS3 or PC*. Lauded by GameSpot as "One of the greatest shooters ever made" and universally hailed upon its release for breaking new ground with jaw-dropping visuals, industry leading technology and sandbox gameplay, Crysis thrusts players into the middle of a global conflict between the U.S. and North Korea over a mysterious artifact that turns out to be extraterrestrial in nature. In Crysis, players are outfitted with the series signature Nanosuit and an arsenal of fully customizable weapons that provide a wide array of options not only for the games story missions but also every single objective and individual encounter. In addition, those that pre-order Crysis 3 will receive the Crysis 3 Hunter Edition, giving fans a head start in multiplayer with immediate access to the powerful new Predator bow and the Hunter Nanosuit module and more**.

EA Crytek's blockbuster title for spring 2013, Crysis 3, promises to be equally visually intense for DirectX 11 PCs and consoles, not because the PC version will be running, strictly speaking, a "console-port", but that the console version will be running a "PC-port". Crytek is developing ways in which visual effects possible with DirectX 11 PC graphics hardware can be reproduced on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, by making the console hardware work in a way it's normally incapable of. This could be coming up with custom code for each new kind of visual effect.

Crysis 3 is real, and although you'll have to wait another year to be able to play it, Crytek began marketing it, and even accepting pre-orders. On Friday, it posted Crysis 3 Debut Trailer (the very first trailer), which reveals quite a bit of action going on, in the game, including the intriguing crossbow weapon. The trailer reveals a sci-fi post-apocalyptic setting in which a city is overrun by vegetation. The baddies appear to have a force-field around the city now. The teaser is just 15 seconds long. A (probably longer) gameplay trailer is slated for Tuesday, the 24th.The Debut Trailer follows.

The hunted becomes the hunter! Electronic Arts Inc. and award-winning developer Crytek GmbH, today announced Crysis 3, the premier sandbox shooter experience of 2013. Powered by Crytek's proprietary CryENGINE, Crysis 3 advances the state of the art with unparalleled visuals and dynamic shooter gameplay. Players take on the role of 'Prophet' as he returns to New York, only to discover that the city has been encased in a Nanodome created by the corrupt Cell Corporation. The New York City Liberty Dome is a veritable urban rainforest teeming with overgrown trees, dense swamplands and raging rivers. Within the Liberty Dome, seven distinct and treacherous environments become known as the Seven Wonders. This dangerous new world demands advanced weapons and tactics. Prophet will utilize a lethal composite bow, an enhanced Nanosuit and devastating alien tech to become the deadliest hunter on the planet.

"Crysis 3 is a thrilling mix of sandbox gameplay, advanced combat and hi-tech human and alien weaponry that shooter fans will love," said Cevat Yerli, Chief Executive Officer of Crytek. "Leveraging the latest CryENGINE technology, we're able to deliver seven unique themes that offer stunning and visually loaded gameplay experiences. We cannot wait until people get their hands on the game."

Portal 2 and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim won big at the Game Developers Choice. Bethesda's smash-hit title bagged the coveted "Game of the Year" (GOTY) title, while Portal 2 bagged three top honors, winning "Best Narrative", "Best Game Design", and "Best Audio".

The year 2011 also saw the raising of the technology bar with two new game engines, CryEngine 3 from Crytek, and Frostbite 2 from EA-DICE. The two were implemented in flagship titles, Crysis 2 and Battlefield 3, respectively; both of which were published by EA. In the end, Battlefield 3 won "Best Technology". "Best Visual Arts", however, went to Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception.A list of top honors follows.

Homefront creator KAOS studios shut its doors in the summer, leaving the sequel without a developer - and players of the cliffhanger ending of the first game well, hanging. However, publisher THQ has hired Crysis 2 developer Crytek to develop the sequel (Homefront 2?) which is expected to be out in 2014 for PC and console platforms. This is perhaps unsurprising, as Crytek recently made a very impressive DX11 upgrade for Crysis 2, as reported by TechPowerUp (with video) so this appointment is likely to make the next Homefront visually exciting at least and will do its bit to help keep up the graphics quality of games written for the PC. I'm looking forward to their high quality DX11 graphics that will push our PC's to the limits and once more give us a reason for upgrading to the latest hardware. They now just need to concentrate on making the gameplay as good as those graphics.

Crytek today delivered on its promise to the PC gaming community by giving Crysis 2 a potent dose of updates that enables jaw-dropping new graphics and eye-candy on capable PCs equipped with DirectX 11 graphics cards. The updates consist of a primary patch, version 1.9, that lets you install the DirectX 11 Ultra Upgrade (free DLC), and the optional High Resolution Texture Pack (another free DLC).

The DirectX 11 Ultra Upgrade brings with it redone maps, objects and models that are enhanced with Tessellation and displacement mapping, that greatly increases geometric detail. Next, is a suite of new lighting effects that DirectX 10 and 11 introduced, including higher quality HDR motion blur, and DirectX 11 depth of field with Bokeh shapes. To install the DirectX 11 Ultra Upgrade, your Crysis 2 installation must be patched to version 1.9, and the PC must have a DirectX 11 compatible graphics card.DOWNLOAD: Crysis 2 Patch v1.9 | Crysis 2 DirectX 11 Upgrade Pack* | Crysis 2 High-Res Texture Pack**install patch 1.9 first

Crytek has announced that CryENGINE 3 is ready and will be on display from March 25th to March 27th at this year's Game Developers Conference or GDC Expo in San Francisco. In contrast to the previous engine, CryENGINE 3 will support all major upcoming platforms as well as current platforms including the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, MMO, and PC's DX9/DX10. Carl Jones, director of business development, refused to give more information. He was very brief in his statement:

CryENGINE 3 is a revolutionary change from our previous PC-only engines - and we're applying a similar revolution to the service we provide to developers using the software to create extraordinary games. CryENGINE 3 will set the benchmark for complete game engine solutions in performance, and services to game engine licensees and their players. We've been preparing a long time for CryENGINE on consoles and we're confident that Crytek will again amaze developers at GDC.

Be prepared for additional info at the end of the month.

There's one more good news that will make gamers happier. Electronic Arts and Crytek GmbH announced today that Crysis Warhead, the next installment in the award-winning Crysis franchise, has shipped to retailers in North America and Europe and will hit store shelves and participating digital download services starting September 18, 2008 exclusively for the PC. Crysis Warhead takes place alongside the events of last year's original Crysis, with players taking control of Sergeant "Psycho" Sykes. Crysis Warhead won't require the first Crysis to be installed, it's a standalone game. Electronic Arts will charge $29.99 for it. "The launch of Crysis Warhead marks a significant milestone for the entire Crytek family," said Cevat Yerli, CEO and President of Crytek. "The team at Crytek Hungary has delivered a dynamic and intense single player experience more than worthy of the Crysis franchise, while the multiplayer team in Frankfurt has revisited and extended multiplayer in the Crysis universe with Crysis Wars. They are both great representations of our studio's core values of technical excellence, craftsmanship and quality."

Crytek and Valve today announced an agreement to bring Crysis Warhead and Crysis to Steam, a leading platform for the delivery and management of PC games and digital content with over 15 million accounts around the world.

"The millions of gamers logging into Steam every week to play today's best PC games are going to love Crysis Warhead," said Avni Yerli, Managing Director at Crytek. "Crytek Hungary has done a terrific job creating this new experience while optimizing CryEngine 2, and we're looking forward to delivering it and the original Crysis as our first offerings on Steam."

Electronic Arts Inc. and Crytek GmbH announced today that Crysis Warhead, the pulse-racing new installment of the Crysis universe, will ship to retail stores in North America on September 16th and in Europe on September 12th. Beginning today, gamers can pre-order Crysis Warhead at the EA Store here for only $24.95; $5 less than the full retail price, or receive $10 off when purchasing both Crysis Warhead and Crysis. Crysis Warhead recently recognized by IGN PC as being the Best First Person Shooter and showcasing the Best Graphics Technology of E3 2008.

"We think Crysis Warhead is going to offer a tremendous experience to a wide range of gamers," said Cevat Yerli, CEO and President of Crytek. "Fans of Crysis are going to enjoy more of the open-ended gameplay, cutting-edge visuals and huge, epic battles from the first game, while also finally finding out what kind of havoc Psycho was wreaking on the other side of the island.

Some early details about Crytek's Crysis Warhead game have been revealed today by the PC Gamer magazine. Here are all the new key points at a glance:

• Begins when the original game's Nomad character parts ways with Warhead's new hero, Psycho, and follows him all the way until the two are to reunite again on board the aircraft carrier.
• Mostly located on the other side of the island.
• Less linear approach and more sandbox type of gameplay, as opposed to the original.
• Same nanosuit and the same functions, with more likely to be revealed later (definitely a "surprise" in that matter is promised).
• Singleplayer campaign to last 8-10 hours.
• At least two new weapons, the granade launcher and double SMG.
• Improved enemy AI, betterily able to organize itself and follow tactics.
• New vehicles incl. Armored Scout Recon (about the size of a jeep with a mounted gun) and a hovercraft, both playable in multiplayer as well.
• New team-based MP mode and less complex than the original two.
• Betterily optimized to run faster than the original game on the same hardware.
• Won't require DX10 for maximum details and full effects.
• Dialogues done by Bioshock's Susanna O'Connor.
• Completely stand-alone and as noted by developers, not an add-on but a full title.
• The possibility of Crysis 2 to rely heavily on Warhead's sales.

Two days ago, Crytek published information that it will no longer patch Crysis for "a good reason". Apparantly the good reason is now believed to be called Crysis Warhead, the second game in the Crysis trilogy. If you try to visit Crytek's home page, a teaser image of Crysis Warhead will appear before the actual page, dropping a hint at what's imminent. No other details, such as platforms or a release date, have been unveiled. It's only an image at the moment, but more information will follow sooner or later.

I'm afraid I have some bad news to report today. It appears that Crytek has no plans releasing future Crysis updates, at least for now. The current patch version 1.2+1.21 hotfix will remain also the last one to be released for Crysis.

So, What About Patch 1.3?
At this time, there almost certainly will not be a patch 1.3 delivered for Crysis. We are aware that this news will disappoint many of you, and we would like to apologize profusely. There is a good reason for this and we hope you understand when you hear more about the reasons why in the very, very near future. Please realize this was an extremely difficult decision, but please do know that we are listening to your comments and are making more consistent community support a high priority.

The Crymod Modding Portal updated its blog today to inform all Crysis players that new Patch 1.3 is in the works.

Crysis - New Patch in Development
In an earlier weekly update we already confirmed that Crytek will continue working on patches for Crysis and supporting the community with new updates. Currently our Multiplayer dev team is fully concentrating on the upcoming Patch 1.3. It has been in development for quite a few weeks already, but we do not have a release date available just yet.

As for the content we can already say a bit, but not that much. The patch will not only include bug fixes and further gameplay balancing, we will also introduce new features to it. Unfortunately we cannot tell you too much about the content at this point, but be sure to not miss out the upcoming weekly update next Wednesday since it will include more news and details on the content itself.

A hotfix update for Crysis has been released, updating Crytek's action game to version 1.21. The 37MB sized patch for Crysis fixes the known security hole in the game code which causes client and server crashes when playing online. Be sure to have patch 1.2 installed before, installing patch 1.21.

DOWNLOAD: Crysis Hotfix 1.21

The second patch for Crytek's highly-acclaimed Crysis is now available. The 361MB download includes:

• Added mod loader to main menu
• Increased damage of most player-fired weapons and decreased damage of most AI-fired weapons
• Added auto team balance
• Added grenade indicator for enemy and friendly team
• Added additional audio feedback (headshot/body) on bullet impact
• Fully implementing Crytek's internal anti-cheat-solution
• Added numbers to energy bar in PowerStruggle for quicker reference
• Added team colors to kill/death messages
• Team killed players no longer drop their weapon
• Improved vehicle handling under braking and boosting
• Greatly increased AAA damage vs. VTOL and Helicopter
• Reduced collision damage for players hit by vehicles at lower speeds
• And more

Patch 1.2 can be applied to both vanilla Crysis (v1.0) and Crysis v1.1.

DOWNLOAD

The Crysis SDK, or a compilation of Crysis mods, user created content, and other goodies, was recently punted out the door of Crytek studios. If you click "read full story", there's a big letter from the president of Crytek as to why this SDK came so late. If you'd like to nab yourself a copy, head on over here.

The Crymod web site has posted up their first "Crysis Weekly Update", which is an official Crysis patch status report from Crytek to the world-wide community. The first update concentrates on details of the "nearly finished from a content point of view" 1.2 patch for Crysis. Some of the changes will include new grenade indicator icon, added team colors to kill/death messages in multiplayer, and more.