Astute readers may have already checked out the site during our open beta testing period, but this week we're cutting the ribbon and officially welcoming a new site into the IGN / GameSpy network:


Although GameSpy and IGN have always supported mod makers with web hosting on our Planet sites and promotion/distribution of the finished product on FilePlanet.com, until now there's never been a place on our network focused on the actual craft of developing games. Whether it's a small team creating a simple game modification, a large team creating an ambitious total conversion, or an indie developer creating the next great original title, everybody who makes games needs to communicate, find help, securely share materials, and track projects and bugs.


What we've done with ModCenter is we've licensed the SourceForge toolset and built it into a site specifically dedicated to the game development community. You can start a project and get the gears turning with ModCenter's tools:

• Customizable bug-tracking
• Secure server space for source code, models, maps, textures, etc.
• Customizable project Wiki to organize your ideas (public and private)
• Team-specific discussion forums tied into the bug tracker and other site features
• Ability to update and edit project and tracker details via email
• A file release system in association with FilePlanet for additional promotion

I think one of the most valuable things about ModCenter is that you'll be working on your project together with a community of like-minded people also building games. Stuck on something? Somebody in the forums might be able to help. Need some textures made? Somebody on the site might be looking to beef out his or her portfolio. Moreover, when you're finished, you've got the support of the IGN network to help release and promote your title.

But, community aside, ModCenter is simply a great tool. You bet your ass that professional developers work with tools to help them manage things like bug lists and task assignment -- any game development team with more than one or two people is going to need the same. That's where ModCenter comes in. I'm glad to welcome it into the network.

Visit ModCenter and Start Building Games!

      -Fargo