Date: Wed, 19 Apr 2000 19:48:19 +0200 From: Michaela GeuthnerTo: lwn@lwn.net Subject: "Loki´s new Linux game, HEAVY GEAR II is now available at SuSE" ---------------------------------------------------------------- Loki´s new Linux game, "Heavy Gear II" is now available at SuSE! With "Heavy Gear II" Loki Entertainment is opening the door to new dimensions in the Linux world: with 3D audio effects and joystick support, a further step has been taken towards the acceptance of Linux by the home user. Linux, once just an insider tip for computer professionals, is on the best way to becoming the operating system of choice for home users as well. After its overwhelming success on the server market and its increasing use in companies of all kinds, the ground has been prepared for the all-round use of Linux, with beginner-friendly installation routines, intuitive desktops and application software such as office packets and games. With the release of the first "big" Linux game, Civilization: Call To Power (distinguished by the Linux Journal with the "Best End User Product of 1999" award), Loki Entertainment had already made a name for itself. Just like its successors, this makes optimal use of the qualities of Linux in the network, whereby multi-player games based on rounds, or real-time, are possible. Due to its success, it is no surprise that around a dozen more titles are planned on being ported to Linux for the year 2000. Loki is currently placing its main emphasis on 3D sound support by means of OpenAL: "OpenAL represents a milestone for Linux", realizes Scott Draeker, president of Loki Entertainment. Until now, 3D audio features in games were reserved for users of other platforms. This has all changed now." OpenAL, entirely in the tradition of the Open Source community, is issued under the LPGL license (GNU Library Public License). Dirk Hohndel, CTO of SuSE Linux AG, is also aware of the chances offered by this: "Linux games play a significant role in the success of the desktop market. Through the common efforts of the Linux community, most recently with OpenAL and the XFree86 version 4.0, ensuring enhanced 3D graphics card support, decisive steps forward have been taken." For more information about this product please have a look at http://www.suse.de/en/produkte/software/index.html About Loki Entertainment Software Loki Entertainment Software A privately held company, Loki Entertainment Software has headquarters in Orange County, California and was established in 1998. Loki meets a pent-up need in the Linux community by providing fully-supported, shrink-wrapped games for sale through traditional retail channels worldwide. Loki's first Linux title, Civilization: Call to Power was awarded Linux Journal's award for Best End User Product of 1999. Loki released 7 front-line Linux game titles in 1999, and plans 16 titles for 2000. For more information, visit www.lokigames.com. About SuSE With more than 340 employees, SuSE Linux AG is one of the world's largest Linux specialists. Thanks to its stability and quality, SuSE Linux is currently being employed by over one million private users and more than 50,000 business customers around the world. The development and sales center in Nuremberg is backed up by branches in Oakland/USA, London, Prague and Marano sul Panaro/Italy, dedicated to the further development and dissemination of SuSE Linux. For the efficient deployment of Linux within the corporate sphere, SuSE backs up its commercial Linux software and complete Linux systems with a comprehensive range of qualified consulting and support services. The SuSE Labs are making a major contribution to the development of Linux, especially in the areas of Linux-Kernel, glibc, XFree86, KDE, ISDN4Linux, ALSA (Advanced Linux Sound Architecture) and USB (Universal Serial Bus), as well as high availability and Multiplatform Support. SuSE received the award for "Best Linux Distribution" at LinuxWorld Expo 2000 in New York. More information is available at http://www.suse/de/en/ Contact: Michaela Geuthner International Marketing SuSE GmbH Schanzaeckerstr. 10 D-90443 Nuernberg E-Mail: mg@suse.de Phone: +49-911-74053-196 FAX: +49-911-74053-479 Scott Draeker Loki Entertainment Software Telephone: 714.505.8915 x12 Facsimile: 714.505.3247 E-mail:press@lokigames.com