Don’t you get tired of those massively obese client-downloads for MMOs? It’s ridiculous and FunCom thinks so, too. To resolve the issue of overly large client files for online multiplayer games, FunCom has teamed with Allegorithmic to use their middleware software to drastically reduce texture sizes in MMOs. So what’s the name of this middleware suite? It’s called Subtance Air and it’s definitely going to change the way gamers download MMOs.

Rui Casais, CTO of Funcom commented that…

"As digital distribution is becoming more important than ever, the move towards procedural textures was a natural step for Funcom,"…"After thorough evaluations we found Allegorithmic to be a professional partner with solid technical solutions. Collaborating with Allegorithmic has been a pleasure for Funcom."

To keep the technical geek-talk to a minimum, basically Allegorithmic’s middleware toolset allows developers to streamline texturing and graphical workflows for a project without it bloating up the size of the actual client, which is a problem currently plaguing the MMO scene.

Substance Air is currently being put to use in an upcoming project by FunCom and developer Stray Bullet Games. Mark Nausha, CEO of Stray Bullet Games commented in the press release, saying…

"By partnering with Allegorithmic, Stray Bullet Games has leveraged a truly disruptive technology," ... "Texture sizes for our game are being reduced orders of magnitude. In our business, download size can directly equate to money. With the reduced texture footprint, we can deliver more for less without sacrificing quality. It's a win-win."

Die-hard gamers or interested developers can learn more about this advance in MMO tech by visiting the Official Allegorithmic Website. And we’ll be sure to keep you posted on the new MMO by FunCom and Stray Bullet right here at Blend Games.