Epic Games and GameSpy have recently gone public announcing a deal to incorporate the latter's multiplayer technology into Unreal Tournament 3, one of the most awaited FPSes this year. Another recent agreement between GameSpy and Epic Games includes a licensing deal to incorporate GameSpy's online technology into Epic's famous Unreal Engine 3, while GameSpy is joining Epic's Integrated Partners Program. So the agreement today only makes the two companies' collaboration even more solid.

"GameSpy is excited to expand our existing relationship with Epic Games and align ourselves with Unreal Tournament 3", said Jamie Berger, senior vice president of consumer products and technology for IGN Entertainment. "As our technology continues to expand and evolve with next-generation consoles, we will continue to work with developers to provide an ease and expertise when it comes to online gaming technology."

"Partnering with GameSpy for the second time and expanding on our IPP relationship furthers our commitment to including the highest level of online technology into our video games", said Mark Rein, vice president of Epic Games, Inc. "Unreal Tournament 3 is a leader in online gaming, and we will continue to push boundaries and technology to develop a game that satisfies the high expectations of our franchise fans."

According to the announcement, GameSpy's multiplayer technology - including multiplayer matchmaking, in-game and out-of-game messaging, deep player statistics, Voice over IP (VoIP) communication and a robust leaderboard and ranking system - will be incorporated into both the PS3 and PC versions of Unreal Tournament 3, under the terms of the agreement. More than that, the deal strengthens GameSpy's relationship with Epic.

Unreal Tournament 3 throws players into the shoes of a futuristic warrior engaged in contests of intense warfare against dedicated and skilled opponents, controlled either by human contestants online or by A.I. It is said to be the first game to feature robust user-generated content on PS3, including multiplayer maps, custom game modes and other nifty stuff. The game launches this November, on the 19th, for PC, while PS3 owners have to wait a little more for their version.