Virtools Announces Virtools Dev 3.0 and Virtools Xbox SDK

Virtools, a Paris-based company providing interactive 3D authoring solutions, announced at GDC 2004 the release of Virtools Dev 3.0, the latest version of its software suite for creating interactive 3D content. Running on PC and framed within a drag-and-drop interface, Virtools lets users add complex behaviors and schematics to models and objects completed in standard 3D authoring packages. The preview window shows the transformation of the models in real time, making it easier to simulate, prototype, and experiment with various scenarios. The newly revamped architecture of Dev 3.0 features programmable vertex and pixel shaders and integration with NXN Alienbrain asset management system. Dev 3.0 also supports new behaviors such as web BBs for dynamic file download and content exchange through web servers. Simultaneously, the company also released an Xbox developer kit. The SDK contains an add-on library of Xbox-specific building blocks. The Virtools graphical interface can remove a lot of the coding demand from a developer’s workload. The suite is an ideal production-enhancement solution for developers seeking a way to realize their creative visions with an economy of time and effort. Pricing for Virtools starts at $9,500.