CryEngine 3 revamp as version 3.1 launches

Crytek has released the newest version of its principal game platform, CryEngine 3.

Version 3.1 adds a string of new tools in a bid to “make the creation of AAA games easier, more efficient and more enjoyable."

The new platform is said to have added in a new shader editor along with new features such as procedural deformation, irradiance volumes and physics-driven animations.

The Frankfurt headquartered company says that the engine’s new Blend Shader “eliminates the tiling of identical materials throughout games, without the need for large texture sets”.

Interesingly, the engine has introduced what is termed as a ‘Visual Budget System’, which lets developers check on and optimise performance and quality in real-time.

The upgrade has also addressed flaws of the past, with a speedier asset browser, further improvements in lighting and HDR, and support for more artist-content creation tools.

Meanwhile the platform’s cut-scene and cinematic tool, TrackView, has been given a major overhaul.

CryEngine 3.1 also adds new features to improve lighting, physics and materials deformation.

“We’ve always had a vast array of intelligent and efficient tools integrated with our all-in-one game engine and we continually improve these tools for the benefit of our licensees,” said CryEngine global business director Carl Jones.