TransGaming on Wednesday announced a publishing deal with Ubisoft that will net Mac users a number of new games starting with the company’s Catz, Dogz, and CSI: Hard Evidence. All of the games will be available for purchase and download through TransGaming’s Gametree Online service.
TransGaming is the developer of Cider, a translation layer “wrapper” technology that enables Windows games to run on Intel-based Macs, with some tweaking. It’s been used to bring a wide range of games to the Macintosh since its introduction, ranging from CCP Games’ massively multiplayer online game EVE Online to Electronic Arts’ Madden NFL 08 and Need for Speed: Carbon. Cider has also been used to bring EA’s Spore Creature Creator to the Mac.
The technology is now being leveraged by Ubisoft to bring Catz and Dogz to the Macintosh — part of Ubisoft’s Petz franchise, they’re virtual pet games that let you feed, groom, cuddle and play with a virtual cat or dog, selecting from real-world breeds. You can spoil them with toys, furniture and any other of the other accoutrements your pet might want.
CSI: Hard Evidence is based on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, the popular CBS television show. In this game, you help the CSI team solve cases by examining forensic evidence using cutting-edge equipment. The game features voice acting from the TV show’s stars and authentic visuals.
Ubisoft and TransGaming stress that this new partnership will net additional games going into the Fall, with some planned for simultaneous day-and-date releases with their Windows counterparts.
Catz and Dogz are expected to be available immediately.