LONDON, UK - 7 August 2002 - Codeplay announced the release of VectorC {EE} for PlayStation®2, the first compiler designed specifically for games programming on the EmotionEngine®, the core processor of PlayStation®2.

The EmotionEngine® offers a number of enhanced features over standard processors, but existing compilers do not take advantage of many of these, so the power of the PlayStation®2 is constrained. VectorC {EE} enables developers to unleash the full power of the console, resulting in more exciting games and shorter development times.

Key features of VectorC {EE} include:

• Autovectorization using Multimedia instructions (MMI)
• Optional autovectorization using VU0 in macro-mode
• Use of advanced EE instructions
• Automatic prefetching, enhancing cache use
• Superior instruction scheduling, including scheduling in-line assembly
• Codeplay calling conventions
• Compatibility with SN Pro-DG® and Metrowerks CodeWarrior®

Being able to take full advantage of the PlayStation®2 hardware using C means that developers can create games with superior graphics and sound, with more happening on screen, but with no loss of frame rate or inflated development times. Games will be more exciting and immersive, and development will be less risky.

Codeplay Managing Director Andrew Richards said, “PlayStation®2 has a more complex hardware than competing consoles, which has been something of a hurdle for developers. VectorC {EE} enables them to use the full potency of the hardware using standard C. We want to help developers to produce AAA games without the painful months spent optimizing their code.”

VectorC {EE} is available now, at a special introductory price. More details are available on the Codeplay website at http://www.codeplay.com/vectorc/index_ps2.html

 

Contact

For further information, contact Andrew Richards; Codeplay
Tel: +44 (0)131 466 0503

2nd Floor, 105 Hanover Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1DJ. UK.
http://www.codeplay.com

 

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