There are a number of big videogame engines that developers can use to create their projects with Unity and Unreal Engine tending to be the two major third-party applications. Robinson: The Journey creator Crytek has its own version on the market, CRYENGINE, and today the company has released its next big update, version 5.5.
Having released a preview back in March, developers can make use of a massive range of enhancements and features, with over 1000 additions included in the update.
Highlights for virtual reality (VR) developers include updated Entity Components. CRYENGINE 5.5 features multiple new and legacy Components for the new Entity System, including the porting of legacy rain and water ripple Entities and a new VR Camera and Interaction Component to get users up and running with their VR project quickly.
One of the biggest steps Crytek has taken when it comes to CRYENGINE 5.5 is its ease of use – the software was notoriously tricky for first time users – with the company now extensively overhauling and redesigning the documentation whilst adding an updated, comprehensive course for absolute beginners, showing them step-by-step how to create a full videogame in CRYENGINE.
CRYENGINE 5.5 Release Highlights include:
- SVOGI Improvements: SVOGI, the feature which allows developers to create scenes with realistic ambient tonality, now includes a major advancement with SVO Ray-traced Shadows offering an alternative to using cached shadow maps in scenes.
- Documentation Overhaul: As requested by the community, redesigned and updated documentation arrives for designers, artists, programmers, and anyone who uses the Sandbox Editor. Veterans and newcomers alike will be able to quickly find what they need.
- Flappy Boid: Flappy Boid is a fun, accessible, and now comprehensive onboarding course enabling users to learn core game development concepts while building a finished game.
- Sandbox UI/UX Changes: The Sandbox Editor improves workflow, performance, and optimization, making the development process quicker and easier.
- Terrain Object Blending: Users can mark Entities with a Mesh Component to become a part of the terrain mesh, empowering more realism, especially with snow and sand scenes.
- C# Upgrades: C# assets can be created directly inside of the Asset Browser and functions may be exposed to Schematyc for use inside of Entity Components. C# users will now be able to debug through Visual Studio via a new extension.
- Terrain System Improvements: Blend multiple materials and use a new displacement option in the sculpting tools for even more realistic terrain.
For the full list of CRYENGINE 5.5 improvements head to the blog. As Crytek release further updates VRFocus will keep you informed.