Titanfall: Xbox One's cloud computing helped Respawn think differently, says Zampella

Titanfall developer Respawn Entertainment is using Xbox One and Windows 8's cloud computing technology to enhance its debut shooter. Announced at E3, the game is heavily interwoven with online aspects, and studio founder Vince Zampella has discussed the power of the cloud in a new interview.

Speaking with IGN, Zampella confirmed that when Respawn signed with EA neither party had Microsoft exclusivity for Titanfall in mind, but that Windows 8-based cloud computing proved attractive to the studio.

“It allowed us to think of the game a little differently,” he said, and added that the game offloads enemy and friendly AI to the cloud, along with dedicated servers. The end result is more natural NPC enemies, and smoother online play that seamlessly blends single and multi-player into a world that feels both organic and populated.

However, Zampella re-iterated his caution around cross-play between PC and Xbox formats, due to the speed advantage given to keyboard and mouse players. We reported on this stance last week as well, and it seems like things won't change in the immediate future.

Regardless he said of cross-play, “I mean, we’ll see. If it turns out to be less of an issue than I think it is, then, well ... we’ll obviously look at it, but I’m not convinced yet.”

Would you like to see cross-play in Titanfall? Do the game's cloud features sound appealing? Let us know below.