Epic Games unveiled the announcement of purchased by Rad Game Tools (a company founded in 1988), RAD Game Tools has developed for more than 30 years tools used by many more or less known studios, including Epic Games itself, even by gamers.
These tools include Blink Video, a video codec designed for games that the publisher has continued to develop over the years. In fact, Blink Video now supports HDR and can decode 4K video.
We can also quote Oodle, a data compression tool that allows, among other things, optimize loading times. RAD Game Tools too offers Telemetry, a profiler which can help with optimization, Granny 3D that integrates very well with any 3D engine, and Miles.
Epic Games has used RAD technology in the past, especially its compression technology. This allowed the developer to improve the loading times of Fortnite, which is currently one of the most popular games in the world.
Epic explains that as games get more photorealistic and powerful, developers need the best compression software in its class that can handle increased data demand without compromising quality.
In summary, RAD team and technology must work with rendering teams, Unreal Engine animation, news and audio to improve systems and infrastructure used by game developers. Although Epic now owns RAD, RAD will continue its current work with partners in the gaming, television and film industries, including those who do not use the Unreal Engine in their work.
"Our work with Epic dates back decades, and joining forces is the natural next step given our alignment with products, mission and culture," said Jeff Roberts, founder and CEO of Rad Game Tools.
Tight integration with motors and platforms results in good standards and developers they adopt good standards. That's why Epic has reached out to Sony and integrated components into its Unreal engine, positioning it as a comprehensive development platform for next-gen games.
Here is Epic's statement about:
“We are pleased to announce that Epic Games has acquired the technology and business of RAD Game Tools, a video game software development company whose products and technology appear in nearly 25.000 games and are operated by the world's largest game companies, including Epic. Together, Epic and RAD plan to integrate powerful RAD technology into the Unreal Engine for the benefit of the developer and player community.
“As graphics in game development and beyond become more photorealistic and powerful, developers need best-in-class compression software that can handle higher data demands without compromising quality. Members of the RAD team will work closely with Epic's rendering, animation, news and audio teams, integrating key technologies and enhancements into the Unreal Engine and beyond. The combined strengths of RAD and Epic will give more developers access to tools that speed up the upload and download of their games and give their players a better gaming and video experience.
"RAD will continue to support its partners in the game, film and television industry, with its sales and business development team that will maintain and license its products to companies in all industries, including those that do not use the Unreal Engine." .
Kim Libreri, CTO of Epic Games, commented on the acquisition:
We know firsthand how impressive RAD compression technology is, having used it to improve load times and improve our most popular games, including Fortnite.
The RAD team includes some of the world's leading experts in compression, video development and games, and we are thrilled to welcome them to the Epic family.
Source: https://www.epicgames.com
