Rebellion helps drive new set top box games platform

NDS’s Xtreamplay is a digital set top box that uses frame-accurate video to power its gaming applications, relying on the video playback processors rather than graphics chips. The technology can also allow for collision detection between video and application layers and occlusion of elements between the video and application layers. NDS expects content to be beamed to the set top boxes via traditional satellite, cable or terrestrial networks.

The first software developed for the technology is a 3D environment from Rogue Trooper, which Rebellion released last year. The game is being demonstrated at CES this week.

“It’s very exciting to see people’s reactions when they realize it’s not a next generation gaming console, but actually just a set-top box”, said Jesper Knnutson, NDS’s vice president of interactive TV, Europe.

“Working with the accomplished games company Rebellion has allowed us to combine their games expertise, gameplay and graphics with our Xtreamplay technology."

Added Chris Kingsley, CTO of Rebellion: “We initially developed Rogue Trooper to run on PCs and high-end gaming consoles, but the NDS Xtreamplay technology has allowed us to take our popular third-person shooter game to a new platform.”