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.

XNA Game Engine Development

Found a pretty good series of articles all about building an Engine using the Microsoft XNA Framework.

Here are the links:

# Part I: Basic engine skeleton
# Part II: An FPS counter GameComponent
# Part III: Applying TDD (Test Driven Development)
# Part IV: ShaderManager GameComponent
# Part V: TextureManager GameComponent
# Part VI: Input GameComponent
# Part VII: ScreenManager GameComponent (game state + GUI)
# Part VIII: Adding multithreading to GameComponents
# Part IX: SceneGraphManager GameComponent
# Part X: CameraManager GameComponent
# Part XI: Static meshes
# Part XII: Culling and chase camera
# Part XIII: Oclussion & Frustum culling
# Part XIV: Adding Physics
# Part XV: Adding WinForm Support, step 1 to World Builder
# Part XVI: Skydome
# Part XVII: Hoffman Atmosphere

XNA WinForms Physics Editor Tool

Recently I put together a WinForms XNA Physics Editor for a project I was working on.

Not all the buttons work yet... and there are bugs all over, the animation section doesn't work at all, its currently a work in progress. If there is anything you really want fixed or changed, drop a comment. Let me know if its of use to you.

The tool can be used to test your Physics ideas as it allows you to experiment quickly with Joints and Springs.



Included is a sample jeep file to load (As seen above).

You can download it from here.

If you hit F11 it hides the physics helpers.
To create an new object just Right Click and select the option.

The editor also builds your images into xnb files for you.

Note!
The Custom objects are a bit dodge, use the mouse to place vertices down, and use SPACEBAR to complete the object. It may take a few seconds once SPACEBAR is pressed before the editor completes the building process, the Custom objects is still buggy, but does work.
The "Multi-Part Object" button is buggy, so dont use it.

The following is fully functional:
- Revolute Joint
- Fixed Revolute Joint
- Angle Joint
- Angle Limit Joint
- Fixed Angle Joint
- Fixed Angle Limit Joint
- Angle Spring
- Linear Spring
- Fixed Angle Spring
- Fixed Linear Spring