GDC11: Scaleform GFx 4.0 detailed

Middleware outfit Scaleform has used GDC to debut the 4.0 version of its Flash-based UI solution GFx.

Currently available in alpha, the new build is the first release by Scaleform in the wake of its recent acquisition by tech giant Autodesk, and is purported to have undergone the tech’s most significant tech overhaul yet.

The new build of Scaleform GFx introduces support for Flash 10.1/AS3, a new multi-threaded rendering engine, and a number of optimisations for new mobile platforms, all of which are geared towards enabling the creation of high quality Flash UI and vector graphics on a wider range of platforms, including iOS and Android devices.

“After more than half a decade shipping the leading UI solution across hundreds of games, our focus with version 4.0 was to create a new core architecture and rendering system that addresses the need for a multi-threaded GPU accelerated Flash UI engine on all platforms, from PCs to consoles to mobiles,” said Scaleform CEO Brendan Iribe.

“Doing this required a major re-tooling of the code base, but it’s paid off – with GFx 4.0 developers getting a far more extensible and high-powered solution that is now optimized for mobile platforms. We’re thrilled to get the new SDK into the hands of developers and let the code speak for itself."

Other updates included as part of GFx 4.0 include bolstered stereoscopic 3D functionality, more support for 3D Flash creations and a new AMP profiler. Developers can access the alpha version of Scaleform GFx 4.0 at the company’s official website here.

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