SpeedTree
SpeedTree is a virtual foliage solution used by real-time game developers, simulation developers, architects, artists, animators and other 3D creation professionals who wish to add high-end, animated trees and plants to their projects. The software is best known for its realistic wind effects, natural foliage aesthetics and a variety of techniques that enable placement of large numbers of trees and plants in a virtual scene.
Products in the SpeedTree line include:
SpeedTreeRT, the flagship offering of the SpeedTree suite, this C++ software developers kit (SDK) serves as a real-time foliage middleware solution and includes the code that optimizes SpeedTree's wind effects and dynamic efficiencies for games, as well as simulations used for military and industrial training and analysis.
SpeedTreeCAD, a Windows application that enables the creation and editing of 3D trees, plants, flowers etc. through manipulation of a wide array of shape, texture, appearance and behavioral parameters.
SpeedTreeMAX, a foliage plug-in to the popular 3ds max modeling and rendering tool.
SpeedTreeMAX was launched in February 2002. SpeedTreeRT was licensed for its first titles, including The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, in December 2002. The software was developed by Interactive Data Visualization, Inc. (IDV).
SpeedTree has been licensed for MMO, PC and next-generation titles with developers including THQ, NCsoft, Ubisoft, Bethesda Softworks, Big Huge Games, Bizarre Creations, WEBZEN, Gravity, Insomniac, Silicon Knights, Nexon and Monte Cristo.
At the 2005 Game Developer's Conference, SpeedTree was named the sole foliage middleware partner of the Xbox 360 next generation game platform, and the software will be used in five of the first games to be published on Xbox 360. In September 2005, IDV concluded a Tools & Middleware License agreement involving SpeedTreeRT for “PLAYSTATION®3” with Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
SpeedTree has also partnered with Epic Games in order to integrate the software with Epic's Unreal Engine 3.