This may be of interest to MAC users!
http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=14407
-Bill
This very well might be true, but I doubt it. If anything, I would see IBM providing GameDev kits using their own design, instead of using a G5. IBM does have their own CPU’s that use the PPC970 (G5) and they are selling them in their blade servers. If anything, I’d assume that is what Microsoft will use for their GameDev kits.
I don’t see the need that Microsoft would have to use a full blown G5 for their kits. It just seems like overkill to me.
I do know Microsoft has had NT working on PPC technology, so that much I can believe. But for now, I seriously doubt Microsoft will have the time to port an OS, it’s game developing software, like Direct X, and recode drivers that will support DX(x) or whatever. That’s a lot to get working in the next year, and somehow I don’t see that happening.
It is interesting that Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft are all going to be using PPC technology to drive their next systems. It’s a wonder they don’t work together and make one system that they all can have.
Actually, I see it very possible.
Overkill is probably what they want to compete with the other guys.
It is very interesting and you have some good points.
We’ll see what happens. We’ll have to stay tuned. This industry never seems to surprise me. They are always unpredictable. Anyting goes.
Here is another article for anyone else interested.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?section_name=dev&aid=3039
Cheers!
Wchamlet: All three console makers are using PPC technology? That depends on how broad you define the term PPC technology.
IBM/Sony/Toshiba have a technology sharing agreement in regards to the development of Sony’s next console cpu. There are some manufacturing technologies that are derived from the years with PPC and IBM has various patents on embedded systems but the core logic is largely devised by Sony/Toshiba. So in a sense it has a lot to do with PPC architecure through manufacturing but as far as program and core logic compatibility there will be close to zero resemblance.
The Gamecube, and most probably also its succesor, is derived directly from a PowerPC core, and as with all consoles has added extensions. If the ‘article’(the enquirer does not have the best record :)) is true the XBox 2 will be designed in a similar manner as the Gamecube. A known architecture from where you build extensions and remove redundant ones. A dual G5 SDK machine (SDK being the key word) would make sense if they were pushing software development for a 2005 winter release on a G5 derived platform. It would especially makes sense if they already have a HAL working for the G5.
A dual G5 does seem quite reasonable for the timeframe (ahem, my time frame, winter 2005). And with most SDK’s they get upgraded with time. That does not necessarily mean it will be running at higher MHz but rather that the modifications/extensions to the core of the G5 will enable them to lower the Mhz and still run faster than a dual G5… for games.
I want to write for the inquirer 
Yeah, you’re right about the Cell technology being far, far removed from IBM’s other PPC technologies. I guess I should have been more clear. I was just stating that all three companies are working with IBM, so why not just make a chip for all three?
And I still don’t think Microsoft will be using Apple G5 Powermacs for the SDK’s. I can see then using IBM developed units though, since IBM sells systems with G5’s in them too, without all of Apple’s specific needs. There isn’t a need for Microsoft to use Apple’s G5’s, unless IBM’s PPC970(G5) systems just won’t work for Microsoft.
I’m not too sure how the SDK’s were handled for the Gamecube. Being that it was a derivative of the G3, I wonder what they developed on? I know they had SGI systems when the worked on the N64, but that probably changed since they switched to the Gamecube. I know Zelda Wind Waker was made in Maya, so maybe they could have used Macs?
A fellow(Ben=bentllama)who works for Bungie, now owned by Microsoft, seemed to think this news wasn’t true. So who knows?
Yes, definetely not a Power Mac G5. A new motherboard more fitting for a fixed peripheral system would be needed although they could use the existing mainboard during the initial SDK period. But obviously a fair amount of money would be spent on a cool NON Apple looking casing :).
The PPC970 is AFAIK exactly the same as the G5.
For the Gamecube/PS2 you develop on a PC or Mac and send program code/data over to the SDK. The SDK’s chipset has nothing to do with what you are able to develop on.
Bentllama may be right, but I am just speculating here for the fun of it. But then again if Ben knew about/was using a SDK he would be under a NDA for a period. So you can’t trust him 
But I can see where he, you and I disagree with the Inquirer ‘article’. There is no XBOX 2 SDK based on an Apple Power Mac G5, but maybe on a G5 (PPC970).
Very interesting!