LONDON, UK - 20th March, 2002 - Codeplay announced the release of VectorC {VU}, the world's first PlayStation®2 vector unit compiler. VectorC {VU} will allow PlayStation®2 games to be developed easier, faster and with more features than previously possible.

The vector units typically run small low-level programs to perform the computationally intensive routines that are required in today's demanding entertainment software. Prior to VectorC {VU}, the development process was time consuming because of the requirement to write complex custom vector unit assembly language.

VectorC {VU} allows developers familiar with C/C++ to get started writing programs to run on the vector units right away. The C++ source for these programs is correspondingly easier to read and maintain throughout the development of a PlayStation®2 title.

The key advantages of programming the PlayStation®2 vector units in C/C++ are as follows;

• More complex VU code enables more sophisticated effects.
• Rapid prototyping, trying new code onto the vector units quickly.
• Reducing EE bottlenecks by moving code onto the vector units.
• Maintainability, enhance and extend VU code easily in C/C++.
  

Codeplay's Managing Director Andrew Richards said, "VectorC {VU} is our first PlayStation®2 product which will enable game developers to unleash the awesome power of the hardware and bring their wildest ideas to life. Game programmers will be able to spend more time on creating and less time on optimizing their code".

"VectorC is a much needed product to reduce development time and more easily obtain high performance on the PlayStation®2", said Jez San OBE, CEO of Argonaut Games PLC.

VectorC {EE}, Codeplay's forthcoming high performance autovectorizing PlayStation®2 EE Core compiler, is due for release in May 2002.

The VectorC for PlayStation®2 web site has further information.

Contact

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

2nd Floor, 45 York Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3HP. UK.
http://www.codeplay.com

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