Development log: August 10, 2009
Physics speedup, CCD and multi-threading
Recent changes:
- Huge physics performance boost.
- Full repeatability of physical simulation even on different CPUs.
- Time snapshots of physics (time rollback is required for networking).
- Joint limits visualization.
- Removed "accuracy" flag for joints.
- Added "collider" flag in nodes; when it is set to off the object doesn't participate in physical simulation (enabled by default).
- Radius of physics simulation can be decreased without causing problems.
- Multi-threaded simulation of physics; it can be distributed among several CPU cores now. Change of physics_num_threads console variable doesn't require engine restart, it's applied on the fly.
- Added continuous collision detection (CCD) for spheres and capsules.
- Added PhysicalForce object for simulation of point forces (attracting and repelling).
- Added new physics samples.
- Improved wind formula for vegetaion.
- Added math and comparison operators for Variable class in C++ API.
- Updated Ogg Theora loader that supports multi-stream video.
- Added WidgetCanvas widget for drawing text, lines and polygones.
- Access to properties and materials by index.
- Refactored ObjectMeshDynamic with support of several surfaces.
- Added File class into C++ API for working with internal virtual filesystem.
- Added engine.profiler.isEnabled() and engine.profiler.getValue(string name) functions into UnigineScript.
- Removed the lightmap support from vegetation shaders.
- fade_power parameter is renamed into fade_attenuation for ObjectGrass, ObjectParticles and WorldCluster (don't forget to run scripts/Upgrade/upgrade.py script).
- Added support of Maya 10.0.
- Added description of node layers, node references and properties to the "Principles of Operation / Virtual Worlds" chapter of the reference manual.
- Updated C++ API documentation.
- Updated UnigineScript library documentation.
Physics module improvement is still in progress, there will be more updates on that later this month.
Here is the mesmerizing example of time reverse feature in physics:
PS: We have also started developing visual flow graph editor that will be used for both game framework and animation tree.
PPS: Creators of the Unigine-based "Syndicate-online" MMORPG has opened doors for participants of the second stage of the Closed Beta Testing. Read more on the official website of the game.
Last News
Trinity Interactive, one of the leading Polish suppliers of software and equipment for simulation and training, has chosen the UNIGINE platform for pushing their newest projects to the next level of visual fidelity and performance. The company is well-known due to the highest quality and innovative character of its products both for military and civil purposes which provides the maximum possible training experience.
Read more in the official press-release.
The International Forum for the Military Training, Education and Simulation Sectors (May 22-24, Rome) is one of the most important and major industrial events that combines thematic exhibition and forum. UNIGINE Corp. demonstrates new features of UNIGINE Engine for simulation, visualization projects and virtual reality systems at ITEC. Visit our stand #B160 to see all-new unannounced UNIGINE-powered technology demo based on geospatial data. We also invite you to attend the UNIGINE Engine presentation at the Innovative Showcase at 5 PM on May 22!
The game supports Linux (as a standalone application) from the very beginning, so we are really happy that finally Linux users can enjoy hot naval battles with the whole Steam community (cross-platforms multiplayer matches are available). Fight for the last drop of oil and try to survive!
UNIGINE’s Valley Benchmark, which features an enormously vast outdoor 3D environment filled with lush forests, is coming bundled this spring with groundbreaking EVGA GeForce GTX graphics cards. This all-new comprehensive benchmarking tool from the lineup of trusted benchmarks from UNIGINE Corp., is already acclaimed by users and industry professionals as a miraculously beautiful yet efficient GPU stress-testing tool for Windows, Linux and Mac OS X. Read more in the official press-release.
Oil Rush, an epic naval strategy game, is released for Android devices based on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon S4 chip. The game is already available on the Google Play Store and you can jump into the next-generation of 3D graphics, hardcore depth and touch-native controls directly on a mobile device. Oil Rush for Android is based on the proprietary multi-platform UNIGINE Engine and developed by UNIGINE Corp. Read more in the official press-release.
UNIGINE’s Heaven Benchmark now comes bundled starting with the brand-new ZOTAC GeForce GTX TITAN graphics cards featuring the world’s fastest graphics processor. As the only benchmark included into the Boost Premium software bundle, it lets gamers instantly experience the full visual potential of the ZOTAC GeForce GTX TITAN. In addition, Heaven features full support for NVIDIA SLI technology for the ultimate performance boost, and NVIDIA Surround for maximum gaming immersion. Read more in the official press-release.
You can get a glimpse of UNIGINE's Crypt demo running in a browser just by following a link. In less than one month, Anthony Liot, at ACTISKU, a company that develops world-class 3D marketing solutions using the UNIGINE Engine, single-handedly adopted real-time UNIGINE demo - with all visual effects - to JavaScript/WebGL, proving that such port can be done by an experienced developer with the full source UNIGINE SDK (that comes without WebGL support) on hand. Watch Crypt online (a browser with WebGL support is required).
The lineup of UNIGINE’s benchmarks is extended by the newest Valley Benchmark that features a huge nature-inspired, open-space 3D world stretched over 64 square kilometers. It showcases the mountainous valley of amazing scale from a bird’s-eye view, yet detailed down to every leaf and flower petal.
Read more in the official press-release.