Did you know that companies such as Bioware (the folks behind Star Wars: The Old Republic) use technology solutions such as the HeroEngine development environment to build their MMOs. HeroEngine streamlines the process of making an online game and Idea Fabrik, the makers of HeroEngine are proud to announce the release of HeroEngine 2. The new Engine will offer developers state-of-the-art graphics, high spec development tools and integrated middleware.

“We are very excited about the new features and expanded tools available in HeroEngine 2” said Alex Shalash, Idea Fabrik’ co-Founder and Chairman. “The release of HeroEngine 2 proves our continued commitment to empowering any game developer to create – faster and easier than ever before – powerful online games across all genres.”

HeroEngine 2 provides all the necessary tools to build online games; it streamlines the entire process and allows teams to create and update their game faster and in real-time. “We are providing development tools without restrictions, code crunching and time constraints; games can now be designed with fun and creativity at heart. HeroEngine is leveling the playing field and opening game development to everyone” concluded Shalash.

HeroEngine 2 includes the following keys features and updates:

Graphics:

Powerful changes to graphics engine including several new tools that make it easier for game developers to create and re-create realistic scenes such as custom shaders, shadows and HDR rendering.

Development Tools:

New Foundation Framework components have been added including game matchmaking lobbies, multi-area and group chat, and an item and social system. The Foundation Framework are customizable core system building blocks that are able to be used in any online game, By adding these new core game systems, HeroEngine allows developers instead to focus on innovative gameplay features.

HeroEngine 2 also includes a more intuitive new user interface for the engine’s editor and repository browser. Overall engine performance improvements have also been made.

Middleware:

In addition to the existing middleware providers, HeroEngine 2 now integrates two new key middleware solutions:

  • SpeedTree® for Games 6, a professional solution for adding animated trees and foliage seamlessly into games
  • Awesomium® Web UI Browser Framework, which allows for seamless integration of critical in-game systems such as micro transactions and subscriptions, and also provides an easy and flexible way to create immersive UI and web content.

HeroEngine 2 is immediately available on HeroCloud through various licensing options starting from $99 per year. HeroCloud is Idea Fabrik’s cloud-hosted development and live game service, offering affordable access to HeroEngine. For more information on source code licenses, please visit heroengine.com.