Aristen Launches Cross-Platform FxStudio Creativity Suite

Middleware developer Aristen launched its FxStudio Creativity Suite, a cross-platform special effects sequencing tool for PC and Xbox 360. FxStudio Creativity Suite is comprised of FxStudio Designer, a special effects sequencing tool; FxStudio Preview, which creates effect sequences for evaluation in "near-real time"; FxStudio Processor, a data processing module that strips tool-specific data from source files and outputs a packed data format targeting specific destination platforms; and FxStudio Runtime, which creates and manages special effect instances. The suite was built using a modular design, developed with multi-platform support in mind. Thus, artists can create singular effects and specialize properties on a per-platform basis. The company also revealed that it has been approved by Sony and Nintendo for development on the PlayStation 3 and Wii, respectively. Says Aristen CTO Toby Gladwell: "Our goal in creating FxStudio was to provide artists, engineers, and producer with the technology to create special effects quickly and efficiently."