Apple’s recent decision to embrace the OpenGL 3-D graphics standard is paying dividends in the form of new game titles for the Mac. Several developers have announced that they will offer Mac versions of popular games largely as a result of Apple’s support for OpenGL. Forthcoming titles include the most popular PC role-playing game of 1999, Sierra’s Half-Life, along with Interplay’s Descent 3 and Id Software’s Quake II and Quake Arena.
OpenGL is already a standard on the PC, so Apple’s support makes it easier for developers to port their games to the Mac. Apple recently released its OpenGL software, available for download at https://www.apple.com.
In addition to these OpenGL-inspired releases, some vendors are stepping up their Mac development efforts simply in response to Apple’s resurgence. For example, Aspyr Media expects to ship Madden NFL 2000, the first major Mac-based team sports game in recent memory, and Humongous Entertainment plans an October release for its new Backyard Football title.
Other new or forthcoming Mac games include Simon & Schuster Interactive’s The Fallen, Deer Avenger II, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch II; Gathering of Developers’ Fly; Blizzard Entertainment’s Diablo II; and Bungie Software’s Oni.
August 1999 page: 28