Design software company Autodesk Inc has unveiled its new game engine, a cross-platform development suite called Stingray that integrates with Autodesk’s own modelling and animation software.

Autodesk had first announced plans to create its own game engine at this year’s Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, and Stingray is aimed at developers who already use Autodesk’s other design suites such as Maya and 3DS Max.

“Designed for the most visually demanding games of today and tomorrow, Stingray offers a powerful rendering system that can deliver superb visuals,” Autodesk said on its website. “In addition to the core rendering technology, Stingray includes an variety of features that help creative directors achieve the exact look and feel of their game, like physically-based materials, a high performance reflection system, post-processed visual effects, an advanced particle system, and lightmap baking.”

They added, “An unprecedented level of interoperability between Maya LT, Maya, 3DS Max and the Stingray game engine make it easier for artists and developers to build their 3D content. live linked cameras, one-click asset updating, and shared materials make it easier than ever to get content into stingray.”

Maya has been one of the leading animation programs in the industry for nearly 20 years now, and it is still taught to most 3D animation students as part of their normal coursework. Because of this, it is a toolset already used or understood by a wide variety of game developers, and its inclusion into Stingray’s native support could make for a smooth transition to the engine for many users.

“Between augmented reality, virtual reality and the proliferation of mobile platforms, the games industry is undergoing a major transition, which poses new complexities for both AAA and indie game developers,” Autodesk senior vice president, Media and Entertainment, Chris Bradshaw said in a statement.  “Autodesk developed Stingray with these challenges in mind, and we’re excited to share its debut with the game developer community.”

Autodesk Stingray is set to release in just over two weeks on August 19, and it will be available for a subscription fee of $30 a month. Users who are already subscribed to Maya LT will get access to Stingray for free.

Image courtesy of Autodesk Inc