MMO middleware and online game developer Monumental Games are now offering a fee-free ‘Prototype Licence’ for their Monumental Technology Suite (MTS) to help developers take their MMO game concepts to next level.

Developing an MMO game is a daunting task at the best of times, but when the costs of licensing a commercial game engine are taken into account, it can seem all but impossible to get a project off the ground.

Monumental whose suite of tools for MMO production has been developed continuously for the last 7 years, is changing this situation by offering a new fee-free ‘Prototype Licence’.

“The nature of game development is changing in a fundamental manner, and it is game developers with new ideas, concepts and methods that will champion growth within our industry. Monumental are committed to minimising the challenges for such developers.” says Paul Mayze, Business and Marketing Manager, Technology.

Intended for smaller development studios, who are typically restricted by the substantial middleware investment required for MMO titles, the new licence allows full, unrestricted use of the Monumental Technology Suite.

Under the new model, studios can develop a polished, operational prototype of their product. This will in turn help game developers secure funding, publishing, and distribution deals.

“Although historically the Monumental Technology Suite has been an engine of choice for larger developers, we are still very much on the side of smaller studios,” says Rik Alexander CEO. “While smaller studios have the imagination, inspiration and drive to create the next generation of MMO titles, sometimes they need a leg-up, financially speaking to kick-start their projects. Our new Prototype Licence, with our revised developer support programme, will help them move to the next level.”

Monumental Games’ commitment to MTS is reinforced by their own use of the suite in developing the forthcoming MMO ‘Football Superstars’ in conjunction with CyberSports.