What is FxStudio?

FxStudio is a high-performance visual effects engine.  The system is comprised of four major components, FxStudio Designer, Processor, Tunnel and Runtime.  FxStudio designer is a world-class, artist friendly authoring environment used to define the effect sequences.  The Tunnel is a TCP connection that provides a communication channel between Designer and the Runtime.  The Runtime is the heart of the sequencing engine and is integrated into the running game.  FxStudio Processor packs effects into highly optimized runtime ready effect banks.

How can I buy FxStudio?

FxStudio can be purchased directly by going to the purchase page

Is there an evaluation version of FxStudio?

Yes!  The evaluation version of FxStudio is fully functioning.  The installation includes FxStudio Designer, a sample project with effects and source assets, a compiled reference application, source code for all components and the reference application, and a evaluation key that will allow you to modify or extend the reference components or even begin the integration of FxStudio into your engine.

Will FxStudio work with my engine?

Yes, FxStudio will work with any game engine.  Although every engine has its own unique way of doing things, FxStudio is designed with a clear separation between the FxStudio sequencing engine and the game code itself.

Does FxStudio provide its own 3D Renderer? 

No, FxStudio is designed to empower not impose.  All file management and rendering is provided by your game engine while FxStudio concentrates on effects sequencing and data management. 

How long does it take to integrate FxStudio?

This will vary by engine but in general the basic integration should take 1-2 days. 

Are game developers using FxStudio?

FxStudio is being used around the world.  Since the product launched in October 2008 FxStudio has been evaluated by over 50 developers and is in use on games on three continents. 

Do the developers of FxStudio have experience making games?

Yes, the two founders of AristenFxhave a combined 25 years of game and tools development experience working on AAA PC and console titles including Blood, Tron 2.0, AvP 2, MxO, The Agency, and many other titles. 

What are components?

Components are the basic building blocks of effect experiences.  Components are like an artist palette, and wrap interesting bits of functionality provided by your game engine like particle systems, camera shake and effects, controller rumble or any other data driven system. 

Do I have to use the components provided in the reference?

No, the components provided in the reference application are available to use as a starting point, as is, or they can be complete discarded and replaced with your own implementations.  Everything about the system is data driven. 

How hard is it to modify/extend FxStudio?

Extending the system is very easy.  FxStudio Designer provides an engineering interface for developers to create components, add or change properties of components, define inputs, phases and LOD.  The FxStudioRT API makes supporting the changes in the data definition simple and painless.  The compiled help, how-to videos, and reference application give FxStudio a shallow learning curve. 

What are effect banks?

Effect banks are convenient and optimized ways to organize your effects for your game.  Banks of effects are defined in FxStudio Designer and can be organized in a simple tree view.  Bank files are then used by your world or game object editing system or directly in code to reference effects packed into the banks.  FxStudioRT loads bank files and provides the running game the ability to instance effects and the data contained within.