SpeedTree integrated into Unreal Engine 4

Epic Games has integrated the SpeedTree run-time into the latest version of its high-end Unreal Engine 4.

Version 4.3 of the engine will allow subscribers to add SpeedTree models into their projects and edit them with the specialist middleware. Three free tree samples are also available at the newly-created UE4Trees.com, which can be dropped into any 4.3 project.

There will also be a library of SpeedTree trees and plants, including models that are exclusive to UE4 subscribers, which can be purchased separately. A licence for the SpeedTree Modeler is also now included in the UE4 subscription.

"We’ve been relying on SpeedTree for our own game development since 2007 and are using it for numerous projects today," said Epic Games founder and CEO Tim Sweeney. "We are very pleased to provide these outstanding vegetation tools to the wide range of developers using UE4, and encourage folks to grab the free sample trees and try out the Modeler."

Both Unreal Engine and SpeedTree were chosen by industry tech experts to be in the recently released Develop 100: The Tech List, which you can read for free here.