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Silicon Studio’s Xenko Game Engine Now Shipping

Open-source game engine gives developers more options with the latest C# scripting and advanced VR tools.

Tokyo-based game maker and middleware developer Silicon Studio released its new open-source Xenko game engine, which can be used to create projects of all sizes, from mobile games to realistic VR experiences.

Xenko was designed by an international team of developers. Using the latest version of C#, the open-source engine features high-end realistic rendering, multithreading with support for the latest graphic APIs (Vulkan and DirectX 12), nested prefabs, particle effects and a built-in script editor.

Compared to the beta version, the commercial release offers major improvements including VR support – with features such as binaural audio, single pass rendering, multi-sampling anti-aliasing (MSAA), one-click VR setup – scene streaming management, a pipeline rendering editor and light probes (a first step to global illumination), along with greatly improved stability.

“We worked with developers to create a tool that lets them explore their creativity without running into some of the limitations they may find with other game engines,” said Terada Takehiko, CEO of Silicon Studio. “By offering advantages like C# and photorealistic rendering, we’re positioning Xenko as the top choice for creators working in 3D, VR and everything in between.”

“I’ve been developing with the Xenko engine for over two years now,” said beta user and game developer Filip Dusek, creator of the game Children of the Galaxy. “I’m really pleased with the performance and stability of the engine. The renderer is remarkable -- both in terms of use and the visual results.”

Xenko is free for educational use, small studios and individual users, with larger studios paying a nominal monthly fee. To celebrate the launch, Silicon Studio is offering all users access to the engine’s unrestricted Pro plan at no cost and with no registration requirements through July 31.

Xenko is available for PC, and allows developers to build games for Windows, iOS, Android and Xbox One, with support for other consoles on the roadmap. Silicon Studio also plans to introduce new features and updates, including a more advanced rendering pipeline editor and a visual scripting system.

Xenko can be downloaded directly through the Xenko website. For more details, see the campaign page here.

Source: Silicon Studio