January 14, 2010

Blender 2.5 export to UDK

Export of Blender 2.5 collada files into UDK works for static meshes. However when using the "reload static mesh" in the Content Browser it doesn't work when the file is a collada dae file.

So far "reload static mesh" only works for ASE files. Therefore ASE export needs to be used for static meshes.

We have also not been able to successfully load FBX files from Blender to UDK. Autodesk's Fbx Converter also doesn't work. We tried different 'Autodesk Converter Fbx' versions etc. We even tried converting a Blender Fbx to a 'Autodesk Converter Fbx' and it doesn't import in UDK.

So the only solution at the moment is to keep using Blender 2.49 ASE exporter and 2.49 PSK/PSA exporter.

We have slightly updated the PSK/PSA script from Blender 2.49 to work with Blender 2.5. However it's not yet complete and needs more work. If you need access to this updated script so you can work on it yourself see:
http://www.filefront.com/15354713/export_udk_PSK_PSA.py.

The script works with the latest builds of Blender 2.5x and not Blender 2.50 Alpha 0. Simply place the script in ..\.blender\scripts\io

We also have plans to update the ASE script to work with Blender 2.5. HOWEVER both scripts are being worked on part time right now. Since the 2.49 solution works at the moment.

UPDATE: It should be noted that importing collada files with the same name as ones in a package does replace the old ones in the package. So if a collada asset named X is imported into a package that contains a collada asset named X, then it will be replaced by the new one. So ASE export from Blender may not be necessary.

November 11, 2009

UDK, issue #2

Some of the questions we had about UDK have been resolved.

Please see this forum post for more information:
UDK forum

Update: Legal Questions Answered.
UDK forum

Sinsoft considers switching to UDK for game development

Sinsoft has been evaluating UDK since its release last week and may consider switching to Unreal Engine for game creation.

We are currently using BGE for game development.

However some issues have to be resolved before the final decision can be made:

  1. The biggest issue is asset export from Blender. Sinsoft does not want to switch without being able to use Blender because we believe Blender is crucial for fast DCC development. There are some 3rd party export scripts currently being evaluated.
  2. Ad Revenue sharing issues that need to be resolved.

Once these issues are resolved Sinsoft will go ahead with the switch.

Stay tuned for more updates about this development.

November 01, 2009

Sinsoft now using Blender 2.50 (internal build)

Blender 2.5 (internal build) is being used for some tasks in order for us to get familiar with the new interface. This also allows us to prepare for any python script change issues that might occur when switching from 2.49.

August 24, 2009

Original Radial Engine Demo now a free download, insert coin system being overhauled


The demo that shows off the Radial Engine is now a free download. All the insert coin code has been removed. This version of the Radial Game Engine uses OGRE for rendering, PhysX for physics, and OpenAL for audio.


The insert coin system / sinsoft online store (sinsoft.net) is being overhauled to work with the Blender Game Engine.


Sinsoft is also looking at other distribution options that make use of the already built online store.


DOWNLOAD (The Briefcase -- Radial Engine Demo) -- Windows XP / VISTA


How To install:
  1. Downlaod and install OGRE Demo Package (site: http://www.ogre3d.org/download/demos) for windows.
  2. Install The Briefcase demo.
  3. Install the PhysX 2.8.1 runtime (or later) if you don't have it on your system.
  4. Install OpenAL and Visual Studio 2008 runtime (included in zip file).
  5. Launch any OGRE demo. There should be a Ogre.cfg in the OGRE Demos installation folder, which will have your system setting included in the file.
  6. Copy Ogre.cfg into the Sinsoft installtion folder (ex. C:\Program Files\Sinsoft\)
  7. Launch TheBriefcase.exe.

The Ogre.cfg step is needed because the last build of Radial Engine demo with no IC does not do an OGRE prompt. So it will not create a Ogre.cfg file and the demo will not run. The best way to create Ogre.cfg manually is using steps 1, 5, and 6 above.

August 11, 2009

Sinsoft using Blender Game Engine (BGE) for game creation

Sinsoft has decided to switch to BGE for making games. The company's Radial Engine lacks a level editor and python scripting for logic/AI. If the company thinks that there is technology in Radial Engine that can be ported over to BGE, it will port it over and release the code under the GPL/Blender dual license.

June 19, 2009

Sinsoft debuts insert coin technology

Sinsoft previewed its game engine on April 21, 2009 and launched the 'insert coin' system.

The 'insert coin' system allows users to try Sinsoft's latest offering for 50 cents per play (or 2 coins) with a minimum purchase of $1(US). This micro-transaction type of payment system is suitable for indie video game companies because it allows the developer to release incremental versions of its latest game and have the clients try it out for as little as possible and give feedback, while the developer can still make money in return.

Sinsoft calls the combination of game engine and insert coin network technology the "Sinsoft Arcade Cabinet". Hence the use of Arcade Cabinet requires a constant connection to the Sinsoft arcade servers and therefore Sinsoft games are 'online' games and cannot be played offline.

All newly released version of the arcade cabinet are free to download. The client only pays on a pay per play basis.

The Briefcase is a mockup game to showcase Sinsoft's Game Engine named Radial. Sinsoft is currently working on a game to make use of the 'insert coin' technology. However The Briefcase does showcase the 'insert coin' technology by itself. So a client can download the arcade cabinet without buying any credit. They will simply be presented with an 'insert coin' prompt during gameplay. If they still want to play or try, they would have to exit the game, visit the Sinsoft online store and buy credit.

The Briefcase will always be a mockup game, so Sinsoft might use it for later demos etc. The idea is that its a generic demo where the objective is to get to the briefcase inside a complex filled with cool NPC characters.