Intel (News - Alert) is making a major play in the graphics arena with the fifth generation of its Broadwell (Core) processor. Announced at the recent Game Developers Conference, the upgraded LGA-socketed, 65-watt processor includes the Iris Pro Graphics solution, which also happens to be included in iMacs and MacBook Pros.
The new solution is expected to perform better than previous integrated graphics, as demonstrated by a number of new tools and games the company showed off at the conference. These include apps from Codemasters, Ubisoft and Funcom in addition to Microsoft (News - Alert) DirectX 12 applications, all running on the new upgraded Intel graphics.
On the gaming front, one of the larger announcements was a partnership with Raptr on a gaming software utility. The utility automatically adjusts a PC’s game settings for optimal graphical gaming. Users can tweak settings to dial up their frame rates and other details to improve the gaming experience and make games available that were previously not able to render graphically.
The upgraded Broadwell CPU has another interesting feature in that it will be unlocked, making it easier for developers to overclock. In tandem with this, Intel has announced its Achievement Unlocked program for game developers, including a portal offering communication and assistance for developers. The group also supports involvement in standards organizations as well as support for academic development games.
On the gaming front, interesting partnerships include a collaboration with Flying Mollusk studio on their RealSense Technology. The solution is being used to power the company’s bio-feedback enhanced horror game, which uses measurements like heart-rate monitoring to power game play. Intel has also teamed up with Funcom on enhancing the visual effects for LEGO Minifigures Online in Windows and Android (News - Alert). Using the pixel synchronization capabilities of Intel Iris Graphics, the companies can enable more realistic smoke, clouds and shadows in the game.
Finally, Intel is enhancing collaboration efforts with gaming giant Ubisoft by adding x86 support to the Ubisoft Cosmos game engine. “We’re expanding our longstanding partnership with Intel into mobile gaming and creating mobile titles that can run natively on x86 platforms,” said Jean-Michel Detoc, executive director of Ubisoft’s mobile business. “This means players can benefit from improved performance and efficiency across our mobile lineup, starting with Assassin’s Creed Pirates and Driver Speedboat Paradise, and extending to all future mobile games developed using Ubisoft’s Cosmos game pipeline.”