Interactive Data Visualization, developers of foliage middleware solution SpeedTree, announced that its company's product has been licensed by six different game developers for titles to be released later in 2007 and into 2008.
Newly-announced SpeedTree licensees include MMO developer Cryptic Studios (
City of Heroes, Marvel Universe Online), which will use the technology in developing a title that has yet to be announced. In addition, SpeedTree has also been licensed by Phoenix, Arizona-based independent developer Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment for the forthcoming
Stargate Worlds MMORPG.
Other new SpeedTree licensees include Namco Bandai and LucasArts, who will be using the package on unspecified titles, as well as Artplant AS (
Kaptein Sabeltann) and Epiphany Games (
Champions of Atlantis).
The SpeedTree software delivers highly realistic digital trees and plants, with adjustable wind effects, user-configurable LOD transitions, and an included library of hundreds of tree, plant and marine models representing more than 170 core species. The tool has already found use in a number of highly regarded next-generation titles, such as THQ's
Siants Row and Bethesda's
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, both for the Xbox 360. In addition, developers of Webzen's upcoming MMOFPS
Huxley are also utilizing the SpeedTree technology.
“SpeedTree is one of the few tools available that not only performs as advertised, it goes beyond the user’s expectations,” said Colin McLaughlin, Director of Technology, Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment. “The textures, shadowing and tree cluster options give us unprecedented control over the appearance of foliage in
Stargate Worlds.”
