LADYDRAGON.COM - DreamCatcher Acquires Firetoad Software's Game -- Fuel

Wednesday October 10, 2001

DreamCatcher Acquires Firetoad Software's Game -- Fuel

DreamCatcher, a fast-growing publisher of PC and console entertainment software, is pleased to announce their partnership with developer Firetoad Software in the creation of the new title -- Fuel.

Scheduled to release in Fall 2002, Fuel (formerly Everglade Rush) is an exciting PC and console racing game built around an advanced graphics engine. In fact, Fuel was one of five titles chosen by NVIDIA(R) to showcase the capabilities of its GeForce3(TM) graphics processing unit (GPU) during its launch this year. (www.nvidia.com/view.asp?IO=everglade)

Firetoad's Fuel uses the GeForce3's nfiniteFX engine, including the vertex and pixel-shader effects to render bump and reflection maps on its racing hovercrafts and other game objects. Additionally, by tapping into the GeForce3's powerful GPU, Fuel is able to update its models' environment maps every frame resulting in stunning real-time visuals. Fuel's engine renders all these effects at over 160,000 polygons per frame by using NVIDIA's GeForce3's nfiniteFX engine. Even without the help of the GeForce3 GPU, Fuel's proprietary engine is capable of drawing very large game play maps populated by thousands of models while maintaining a consistently high framerate. The Fuel engine has scaleable performance so players with slower machines will have the same great experience as those with faster systems.

"Dreamcatcher's ability to bring innovative titles to market has fueled their growth into the entertainment software market," stated Sanford Russell, director of developer marketing at NVIDIA. "With DreamCatcher's acquisition of Firetoad's Fuel, which combines NVIDIA's Shader technology with incredible art and game play, DreamCatcher is able to expand its compelling product line for both the PC and console market."

"DreamCatcher is looking forward to working with such a talented and creative team of developers," said Richard Wah Kan, CEO of DreamCatcher Interactive. "We are confident that Fuel's rip-roaring gameplay and cutting-edge graphics will be a hit on any platform, PC or console."

    Fuel will round out DreamCatcher's 2002 lineup, bringing gamers a unique, exciting racing experience. Facing-off against Fuel's crafty AI, or other players via the Internet or LAN, racing-game fans will get to tear up the track with more than five different vehicles in every environment and terrain imaginable.
    www.firetoads.com

    About DreamCatcher

    Started in 1996, DreamCatcher is a successful and growing publisher of PC and console software entertainment with mass appeal. The company is known for publishing leading interactive titles at an affordable price. DreamCatcher is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Visit the company web site at www.dreamcatchergames.com.