SOFTIMAGE INTRODUCE REAL-TIME SHADER TOOLS

SOFTIMAGE, a subsidiary of Avid Technology, have announced that SOFTIMAGE|XSI 2.0 software will include powerful real-time shader effects functionality, specifically developed for game content creators.
The sophisticated toolset will provide game developers with the tools to create, visualise, export and test real-time shaders, including support for effects using per-pixel and per-vertex shaders.
The toolset, which is fully integrated with the groundbreaking SOFTIMAGE|XSI Render Tree interface, will provide unparalleled flexibility and productivity enhancements for its users.
SOFTIMAGE|XSI 2.0 real-time shaders are component programs that are executed in a 3D rendering pipeline. These effects can take full advantage of available hardware acceleration depending on the platform.
Marc Stevens, Director of Development at Softimage, said: “Softimage have once again set the bar for innovation and performance in a creative tool. Real-time shaders are an important aspect of modern game content creation, and with this release Softimage has leapfrogged the state of the art and delivered a uniquely powerful pipeline from shader design right into the customer’s own application.”
With SOFTIMAGE|XSI 2.0 software users can create stunning effects by directly manipulating the actual real-time rendering capabilities of the target platform. Whatever rendering engine is used. (CD)