MMO middleware and online game developer Monumental Games has announced it will offer a fee-free limited license of its MMO middleware dubbed the Monumental Technology Suite (MTS) to developers for the purposes of creating a prototype.

MTS is based on a number of component systems which form a complete toolset. The components include server technology, client technology, a graphics engine, development and management tools. These tools sit at various stages of the development, product and market life cycle of online project development.

Intended for smaller development studios, who are typically restricted by the substantial middleware investment required for MMO titles, the new license allows full, unrestricted use of the Monumental Technology Suite for prototyping. The company is itself using the MTS suite to develop the forthcoming MMO Football Superstars in conjunction with CyberSports.

The company says the offer is aimed at helping offset the cost of licensing a commercial game engine. Under the new model, studios can develop an operational prototype of their product to better position them to secure funding, publishing, and distribution deals.

The Monumental Technology Suite is a product development technology solution used throughout all stages of the online product development lifecycle, from prototyping, pre-development and development to live-operation and management. It acts as a complete standalone solution for product development requirements and is designed to integrate with existing production pipelines, development tools, systems, technology and processes. Third party technologies, systems and services can also be integrated within MTS to enable enhanced, customized and bespoke functionality.

Monumental CEO Rik Alexander commented, "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. 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 License, with our revised developer support program, will help them move to the next level.”