The oft-maligned GameSpy is trying to stage a comeback by making its multiplayer framework free for developers of any size to use. The framework provides developers with the ability to implement multiplayer matchmaking, player tracking and cloud data services and is suitable for use in games both big and small.
While the service is not without a few hitches and runs poorly in comparison to dedicated services like Steam and Blizzard's proprietary Battle.net, the software should be more than enough for indie developers to use. The technology is only free for small scale developers, meaning that companies the size of Rockstar will still have to pay licensing fees to use it.
GameSpy's decision to make its technology available for small developers is very much in line with Epic Games' recent decision to make its Unreal Engine 3 technology available to the indies without having to pay exorbitant licensing costs. Interested developers and enterprising hackers can sign up for the Gamespy program at this website
