British developer leads the way with PlayStation 2

Liverpool-based Rage will be one of the first western PlayStation 2 developers. They will develop a title for the new machine's launch, using the 3D engine from their forthcoming Hostile Waters.

"We're sending a team over to Japan in order to get a good handle on the technology nice and early," Managing Director Paul Finnegan told MCV. "We've always concentrated on leading edge technology and enjoy good relationships with Intel, Sega and Sony. It's essential we understand the technology and we're very excited about this new challenge."

Rage have already proved their next-gen credentials with a conversion of last year's PC hit Incoming for the Dreamcast, which is expected to accompany the new console's September 23 European launch.

So it's all looking dandy for Rage at the moment, although Finnegan has expressed his worries regarding smaller development teams. "Personally, I can't complain as we have deals in the offing, but it is getting tougher. PlayStation 2 will require bigger teams and we will have to allocate 20-25 people to each title."