No, not the mythical furry missing link, but Bigfoot Networks -- makers of specialized Network Interface Cards (NICs) specifically for PC gaming. Bigfoot products, like the Killer Xeno Pro NIC are designed to specifically optimize gaming network traffic -- in short, to make your online gaming faster and better.
We had a short email interview with Sean McCann, senior product marketing manager for Bigfoot Networks, to find out what makes Bigfoot Network cards so special.
What inspired the creation of Bigfoot Networks?
Bigfoot Networks was originally founded in 2005 by former employees of Intel and Dell Computer. By combining their technical knowledge of networking and PCs with their passion for gaming, the founders developed innovative technologies and products to address the problems of “lag” and network latency in online applications, especially online games. First a correction -- Bigfoot Network gaming network cards currently sell for about $99. Our products have value to gamers because they deliver smoother, more responsive online gameplay. They provide better control over how the PC handles network traffic that is unmatched by generic networking hardware. Since online games are very sensitive to network traffic delays to and from the PC, our solution minimizes latency and specifically adds optimizations that improve game performance. For competitive gamers, this can mean the difference between life and death, and for the rest of us, it means a more enjoyable gaming experience.
With Ethernet being 'standard' equipment on computer motherboards, why should a gamer spend the extra money on a Bigfoot NIC?
First a correction -- Bigfoot Network gaming network cards currently sell for about $99. Our products have value to gamers because they deliver smoother, more responsive online gameplay. They provide better control over how the PC handles network traffic that is unmatched by generic networking hardware. Since online games are very sensitive to network traffic delays to and from the PC, our solution minimizes latency and specifically adds optimizations that improve game performance. For competitive gamers, this can mean the difference between life and death, and for the rest of us, it means a more enjoyable gaming experience.
How are Bigfoot cards special? What do they do that gives them the edge over traditional NICs?
Bigfoot Networks’ gaming network cards offer Game Detect technology that is designed specifically to tell the difference between games and other types of network traffic on the PC. Game traffic is then accelerated around the Windows network stack and straight to your game as quickly as possible. This essentially "unleashes" your game from the typical path inside the computer, thereby avoiding many of the bottlenecks that can slow you down.
Will Bigfoot NIC work with any router? Or are there routers that work best with Bigfoot NICs?
Bigfoot Networks technology works with all routers and any PC with an available PCIe slot.
Does a Bigfoot NIC require any special setup? Is it plug and play, or does a user have to 'tweak' it and/or their router for optimal performance?
There is no special setup - you plug it in, install the driver, and it works with any online game. There are features such as intelligent bandwidth control that let the gamer manage other applications such as voice chat or Web browsing while they game. This lets people do other things on the PC while they game without adversely affecting game performance.
Does Bigfoot have any plans in WiFi space -- Wireless B/G/N Bigfoot NICs?
If it has to do with online gaming, and we can make it work better and faster for online gaming, we're probably working on it. But we can't talk about anything we haven't announced.
Has Bigfoot made any inroads towards getting their chipsets integrated into motherboards (especially those targeted at gamers/enthusiasts) or other technologies such as routers?
We don't talk about unannounced products, but we're working with a A LOT of different partners, including PC OEMs, add-in board partners and other technology suppliers to make sure that we can deliver the advantages of Bigfoot Networks technology in the places that people want it.
Does Bigfoot technology benefit applications besides games, such as streaming media? (How?)
At our core, we identify, offload and accelerate online gaming data. That's why we were founded. However, with Intelligent Bandwidth Control, you can still game and run other network applications. Everything we think about at Bigfoot Networks is from a gamer's perspective - we develop technology to make the in-game experience better and easier to manage.
Why don't other/competitor network cards offload processing? It seems like it would be universally beneficial for gamers and non-gamers alike as far as computer performance is concerned.
Online game traffic has really exploded in the last few years. I am only guessing, but most of the generic PC networking technologies were developed over a decade ago, and it is unlikely that they could have anticipated the new requirements of applications like online gaming. Additionally, the unique networking challenges presented by online gaming make this a difficult problem to solve. Our strengths in both gaming and networking give us an advantage in tackling these problems.
What gaming events can we expect to see Bigfoot at in 2010?
Having signed with five professional gaming teams, we'll probably be everywhere. But a good rule of thumb is this: we'll be wherever we can talk to consumers directly, explain our technology and convey how it helps online gaming. Our 2009 schedule included Game Developer's Conference San Francisco, Sony Online Entertainment Fan Faire, ComicCon, QuakeCon, Gamescom in Germany and Penny Arcade Expo. We plan to hit many similar events in 2010.
What are your thoughts on "professional gaming" and where it may -- or may not -- be headed?
Professional gaming is like soccer - it's huge everywhere else in the world but the United States. There is very real money involved in the international tournaments and sponsorships, and as enthusiasm for online gaming has grown, so have the number of fans of professional gaming. In the future, we have no doubt that interest in professional gaming will grow in the United States as well. The talent and players are certainly here, but there’s still work to do to build the teams and the awareness.
Visit Bigfoot Networks home page to learn more
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