Take Two and Epic Sign Unreal Engine Licensing Deal

Take Two Interactive has signed a deal with Epic Games to license the award-winning Unreal Engine 3 for use in unannounced upcoming games.

The engine will be used in games currently in development for the 2K Games label. "2K had a very positive experience working with Epic's Unreal Engine 3 since it enables games to perform exceptionally well on both console and the PC," said 2K President Christoph Hartmann. "Epic's technology and support is expected to help 2K produce world-class titles for games on any platform."

Mark Rein, vice president of Epic Games, said, "We are excited about continuing our relationship with 2K based on our past success with the company. We have no doubt that the Unreal Engine 3 will continue to assist 2K in producing the industry's most amazing and original games."

2K Games previously used the Unreal Engine 3 to power its hit FPS BioShock. Lead Designer Ken Levine cited the engine's enhanced water effects as a primary reason for the change, saying, "We've hired a water programmer and water artists, just for this game, and they're kicking ass and you've never seen water like this."