ShiVa3D by Stonetrip has just announced an update to their game development suite. Version 1.9 now includes a bunch of goodies for all game developers include Android and are a result of direct customer feedback. Nice to know companies do listen to their customers. For a full list of new features keep on reading below!
Some major new features:
- Ability to code in C/C++/Cocoa/Objective-C: Users can now code their game completely in C++/Cocoa/Objective-C.
- Native Compilation: the editor can now convert Lua to readable C++ code to improve script performance (for example, Fibonacci suite 20, 60fps on a Palm phone when compiled, 10 fps on Mac desktop in Lua …)
- Plug-ins: allows developers to extend engine capabilities by including add-ons like PhysX physics engine, Fmod sound library, ARToolkit, also users can create custom API (using dll, .a for mobile, .so for linux, .dylib for mac) available in the script Editor with auto completion and documentation.
- ShiVa3D Editor PLE Limited Export: new version enables users to export add-ons and expansion packs freely, also allows a complete game to be exported for testing purposes with limited execution time and integral watermarks.
- Unified authoring tool: a single tool to compile source generated by the editor into an executable application for all supported platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android, Palm and Wii.
- Mesh API: mesh structure can be altered by both Lua and C++ code (plug-ins) to allow mesh creation and deformation in features such as clothing.
- Compound dynamic body: to create complex physics object like chairs (6 boxes).
- Point light shadows: point lights can now cast dynamics shadows.
- Multiple shadows: each light can cast shadows (unlimited count).
- Device Input Simulator: ShiVa Editor 1.9 is now available with a Device Input Simulator Application that can be installed on iPhone, iPod, iPad, Android and Palm. The application will communicate directly with the ShiVa Editor and simulate the input.
While this all probably seems very dry to most readers, developers who use ShiVa3D to make their games will be giddy, yes I said giddy, over the new features. Current licensee’s will get the update free. Stonetrip also has a single license, royalty-free structure that allows developers to avoid buying a license per platform and paying a percentage of the revenue from their games. You can head over to Stonetrip’s site to get a full on comparison between versions.
If you are curious to see what games have been made using the ShiVa3D engine, two of the most notable ones have been Crusade of Destiny and Welcome to Hell, both by Dvide Arts as well as their new, upcoming game Earth and Legend which looks awesome.
Developer Website: Stonetrip
