SpeedTree middleware $19/month for Unreal Engine 4 subscribers

Last week, SpeedTree developer Interactive Data Visualization unveiled a new version of its SpeedTree Modeler package for game developers, specifically targeted at Unreal Engine 4. For $19 a month, subscribers to Epic's game engine will gain access to a special version of SpeedTree customized for Unreal Engine 4. The company has posted a blog which answers questions arising from the initial announcement. Notably, SpeedTree clarified that it is not charging a royalty above its monthly subscription fee (unlike Epic, which takes 5 percent of revenue for games developed by UE4 subscribers.) Of note, however, is the fact that a traditional flat-fee license for SpeedTree will not be available to Unreal Engine 4 subscribers. There is one important bit of info, however, which may soften the blow of that news: "The Modeler will cease to function at the end of your subscription term, but any trees you create with it or buy at the SpeedTree Store will continue to operate in UE4 indefinitely." There is a catch, though: "This license is intended for use for UE4 Subscription only and works with that pipeline only. There are no other export options." For the rest, check out the SpeedTree blog.