Middleware developer Digini raised its first round of funding for Blade 3D, its subscription-based development environment for Xbox 360 and PC.
VC firm California Technology Ventures led the round, though the amount of the investment wasn't disclosed. Earlier this year, Digini secured $250,000 in angel funding.
Built on Microsoft's XNA Game Studio 2.0 platform, the Blade3D game development tool set offers an integrated development environment where games can be deployed on Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Windows Vista, with support slated for Xbox 360.
The tool features a subscription based pricing model intended to "allow everyone from novices and hobbyists to professional users the ability to easily create games."
The company also announced that it will commercially release Blade3D on on October 29th, 2008 with three pricing plans targeting hobbyists, independent developers, and professional developers.
"We are excited to announce the strategic investment from CTV." says Digini CEO Tony Garcia. "Their record of thoughtful investments, coupled with a strong network of worldwide partners make CTV a perfect fit for Digini. We have seen tremendous traction for Blade3D since unveiling the final beta at Gamefest, and are anxious to unleash it to our growing base of users."
