Intel Talks Mobile Gaming, Iris Graphics

SAN FRANCISCO—Intel announced Wednesday that it will release a new fifth-generation Core processor with Iris Pro graphics in mid-2015.

The 65-watt, unlocked desktop Core i7 chip will be Intel's first LGA-socketed CPU with Iris Pro graphics, the company said. Intel is promoting the upcoming processor as a gaming beast, highlighting what's been a pretty low-key Game Developers Conference for the chip giant.

Intel will also be introducing a new NUC (Next Unit of Computing) device in April. The mini PC (pictured) will be the first NUC from Intel to feature a Core i7 processor with Iris Pro 6100 graphics. It's a tiny thing, with an enclosure capacity of just 0.62 liters, the company said.

Intel also announced a few new partnerships at an evening event here at GDC.

Raptr has signed on to collaborate with Intel on optimizing PC game systems using Intel Graphics, the two companies announced. Gamers with Intel rigs can now utilize "a suite of lightweight, powerful tools for improving the performance of their gaming hardware and software" from Raptr.

Those tools provide things like system optimization for particular games and user patterns, more efficient, less resource-hogging recording and streaming options, and automated driver detection that informs gamers when new drivers are available to improve graphics performance.

"Our relationship with Intel brings us the resources and expertise to fulfill our vision of providing every PC gamer with the simplest way to have a fast, beautiful, hassle-free gaming experience," said Raptr founder and CEO Dennis Fong. "This collaboration also increases our development, distribution and marketing capabilities and gives us the opportunity to expand both our user base and the services we deliver to them."

Intel is also teaming up with Ubisoft to optimize the Assassin's Creed publisher's games on Intel-based tablets running Android. Ubisoft will now provide native x86 Android support on its Cosmos Engine, opening the door for games like Assassin's Creed: Pirates and Driver Speedboat Paradise to play on the growing number of Android slates with Intel inside.

Funcom, maker of the Lego Minifigures Online live MMORPG for a younger audience, said it is working with Intel to create a more "seamless" gameplay experience on 2-in-1 devices.

"You need to be able to play on an Android device or a PC, and you don't have to worry if you're on different servers, it just works," said Funcom chief technology officer and managing director Rui Casais. "And on a 2-in-1, when you're switching between the keyboard in the laptop configuration to touch mode as a tablet, it needs to be seamless."