Spiral Graphics Announces Genetica 2.5

Spiral Graphics Inc. has revealed Genetica 2.5, an upgrade to its flagship seamless texture editor. The new version, which will be a free upgrade, is expected in early 2006. New "effect map" functionality in Genetica 2.5 will allow 3D artists to achieve heightened levels of photorealism with their materials. Genetica 2.5 will generate effect maps that can be used in any of the channels supported by popular 3D environments, such as bump, specular, reflection, and luminance. These effect maps are resolution independent, and will automatically update to match any edits made to the texture. Designers who are using the new effect maps to apply bumps or displacements in their final scenes can use the new "Color Only Render" mode to automatically strip baked highlights and shadows out of a texture. Artists working with real time game engines will receive fully integrated normal map generation. Genetica 2.5 also includes new noise types, additional nodes, synchronized floating views, superior transparency support, and more. Additional information regarding these and other new features can be seen at the official site. A beta version will be made available at the request of any licensed Genetica user. The beta will be available by the end of the month.