Lumberyard Beta 1.5 previews particle editor, component entity and asset builder

Amazon has released the beta version of Lumberyard 1.5, a fresh update for its new game engine.

Available to download now, the latest point release for Lumberyard gives dev a preview of three key features – the first time Amazon has done this. The firm defines ‘preview’ as features that may be missing functionality, will likely change as feedback comes in, but should remain consistent and stable for as many customers as possible.

The first preview feature is the particle editor, which the Lumberyard team is aiming to make fully available by the end of the year. A new level of detail system gives devs more control over visual effects, including the ability to change how the effect appears depending on distance to camera.

The component entity system has also been enhanced, with the addition of pre-made components to help new users create what they want faster. There is also the ability to tag and filter components in order to better organise them.

Finally, the Lumberyard Asset Builder SDK makes its debut in Beta 1.5. This uses the asset processor to track, reload, automatically rebuild and process any in-game assets or custom tools devs are using.

As well as these three key features, Amazon claims it has made over 210 improvements and fixes. You can find out more in the release notes.

Lumberyard launched earlier this year and is based on the technology powering Crytek’s CryEngine.