AMD's Gaming Evolved developer relations program has been going from strength to strength in the mere two years since implemented, allowing studios to tailor game engines to the intricacies of AMD graphics hardware. Just as importantly, developer feedback has improved AMD's in house graphics driver development programme - we've seen just how radical this has been in recent releases which saw double-digit performance improvements most of AMDs GCN line, i.e. the 7XXX-series.

One of the upcoming titles which AMD have been deeply involved in from a technical standpoint is the PC version of DMC: Devil May Cry. AMD tout their experience as the makers of the GPU at the heart of three of the four major consoles as crucial in helping console-centric studios port games such as this to the PC and look the very best they can. In part down to AMDs efforts DMC: Devil May Cry will release with full High Resolution textures, 5.1 audio and PC optimised controls, hopefully beating the console-port blues.

Thanks to this relationship, some of the most critically acclaimed titles of 2012 played best on AMD hardware on Day 1. They include Sleeping Dogs, Blacklight Retribution, Dishonoured and Farcry 3; all graphically intensive games, all performing exceptionally well on AMD hardware compared to the competition.



But the benefits haven't only been visible gaming performance. Gaming Evolved has also served as an opportunity for AMD to bundle in added value to the end-user. It began with the "Three For Free" promotion which bundled Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Nexuiz and Dirt: Showdown with new 7900-series graphics cards; three great titles with one powerful GPU. It was well received, but we knew they could do better.

Summer brought the first AMD Never Settle offer. The brand new Square Enix title Sleeping Dogs was included with new AMD GPUs, but not just 79X0 cards this time. The offer was extended down to 78X0-series GPUs, bringing yet more value to a range already recognised for excellent bang per buck.

But they could do better.

Autumn heralded the first Never Settle Bundle offer. A tiered reward structure saw every new purchase of an AMD gaming graphics card - that's HD7770's and upwards - gain at least one free title. But not any old Steam Sale title - we're talking the awesome Far Cry 3, one of the best games released in the whole of last year. The more powerful the graphics cards, the better the bundle: Hitman Absolution came with two 7770/7800's, and a 7900-series card also netted you a copy of Sleeping Dogs for good measure. And if that wasn't enough, every purchase also netted you 20% off Medal of Honour: Warfighter.

Not too shabby huh? But they could do better.

Never Settle - Reloaded

Fast-forward to today, when AMD are announcing the Never Settle Reloaded Bundle with not one, not two, but three huge titles central to this season's offer. And there's even more to it, but lets not get ahead of ourselves.



First up, there is Tomb Raider. The 2013 reboot of the franchise was first demoed at the Radeon ExtravaLANza in October and stars a younger version of the eponymous heroine in a title which will flesh out her backstory significantly. From a technical standpoint AMD are touting a new and exclusive DirectX 11 feature on this title, as well as additional support for HDAO and other image quality optimisations.

Tomb Raider will be available to anyone who purchases a 7800-series card from participating retailers. The estimate release date is March 5th



Next up is perhaps the most eagerly awaited sequel of the year that isn't a Mavel Comics film: BioShock Infinite. Due March 26th, the game follows Booker DeWitt and the mysterious Elizabeth as they unravel the mysteries of the floating city of Columbia. It should look gorgeous, and AMD will augment the title's graphics with DirectCompute HD Ambient Occlusion & bilateral AO filters. Naturally, Eyefinity will also be a feature for those who want the full surround experience.

Bioshock: Infinite is bundled with both 7800 and 7900-series GFX cards.



The final new title figuring in the AMD Never Settle Redloaded offer is a biggie - Crysis 3. Yep, the final part of the legendary trilogy will conclude as part of AMD's Gaming Evolved program, optimised for GCN hardware and Eyefinity. It's not too far away either, releasing on the 19th in the US and 21st in UK/Europe; if you're currently enjoying the beta on a 7000-series card try the latest Catalyst 13.2 Beta's for a big performance bump in this title.

Crysis 3 comes with all new 7900-series cards from supporting retailers, while stocks last.

AMD aren't quite through. If you buy two 7900-series GPUs you will receive each of the three Never Settle Reloaded titles and the three titles which were a part of last years Never Settle bundle - Far Cry 2, Hitman Absolution and Sleeping Dogs. In the UK? Then grab an ASUS Ares II and get the six previous titles and Deus Ex:HR & Nexuiz. A pretty sweet deal if you're looking to put two Tahiti GPUs in SLI.

Phew. That's a ton of value. But lets set that aside for a moment. The most important feature of Gaming Evolved is AMD remaining involved in aiding developers to improve launch and long-term support with the latest GPUs. Too often there have been lingering bugs, game-breaking in some cases, which have gone live at launch, a trend which everyone wants to eliminate. While often patched out quickly, any bug that major is a huge letdown to those taking the trouble to buy early. Not everyone will be in the position to take advantage of these offers, but their continued involvement will make gaming better for PC gamers of all stripes.

The Never Settle Reloaded website will be up here soon. Till then, let us know what you think of this latest offer.


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