More Free Tools

Good news, trueSpace 7.6 has been released for FREE !

trueSpace is a complete 3D Authoring tool, I haven't tried it yet so can't comment on how good or bad it is for helping with making games.

Here is a video I found on You Tube showing animations:

Sell your games on XBox 360 Community Games!

Finally, Microsoft has announced that this year they will be launching the ability for anyone with a Creators Club Membership to upload and sell there games on XBox 360.

Microsoft will give you up to 70% of the revenues and send you a cheque every quarter.

Fur more detailed info and a list of FAQ check out the creators club website over here.

NVidia Tools

NVIDIA Shader Debugger has been released

It a fully-featured pixel shader debugger that allows shaders to be debugged just like CPU code. A free license for non-commercial use is available.

FX Composer 2.5 has also being released.

FX Composer 2.5 Overview:


FX Composer New Features:


New Features:

# Cross-API Support
* New! DirectX 10
# New! Support for Shader Debugger plug-in
# New! Particle Systems
# New! Visual Models and Styles
* Ability to create, define, and export multiple looks for a model
# New! Remote Control Service over TCP/IP
# New! Shader Perf with GeForce 8 Series Support
# New! Improved User Interface
* Unified project model
* Reduced user interface clutter
* Single-device operation
* Enlarged icons with captions
# Full-featured Code Editor
* New! Automatic, Customizable Code Snippets

Dream Build and Play

This years Dream Build and Play has been announced !

There is $ 75 000 in prizes up for grabs.

1st Prize: $ 40 000
2nd Prize: $ 20 000
3rd Prize: $ 10 000
4th Prize: $ 5 000

And you have until the 23rd September 2008 to submit your entry!

New XNA Creators Club Online almost here

Looks like we can expect the new XNA Creators Club website to be launched sometime in the next few days.

Currently the website is "closed for a while" you can check out the message here.

In other news....

Blender 2.46 (also known as the Bunny release) has just been released.

"This version supports a new particle system with hair and fur combing tools, fast and optimal fur rendering, a mesh deformation system for advanced character rigging, cloth simulation, fast Ambient Occlusion, a new Image browser, and that's just the beginning."
Check the extensive list of features here.

X-File exporter support for 3D Studio Max 2008 and Max R9

Version 1.3 of the kW X-port has been released, this allows you to export models from Max in X file format, as well as Animations.

Probably the best tool to use at the moment. Also has the ability to name and set your animation when exporting which is really handy.

You can get the release from here.

Physics Editor requested changes

I've stopped using my physics editor for the time being as I have moved onto a new project which requires a different type of editor.

If there is anything you would like to see changed or fixed with the Physics Editor the drop me a comment and I'll have a look at it.