GeoGen is now in public beta
The recording of yesterday’s livestream on JangaFX’s latest product updates. The section on terrain-generation software GeoGen starts at 00:20:00.
JangaFX has released GeoGen, its real-time terrain generation tool, in public beta.
The lightweight node-based tool generates both terrain and entire 3D planets for use in real-time applications and exports a range of game-ready data types.
The first beta release, GeoGen 0.3, adds the option to art-direct terrain by using splines to define key features, and a directional color blur system for terrain color gradients.
The Substance 3D Designer of real-time terrain generation?
Developed as a “cooldown project” during work on simulation apps EmberGen and LiquiGen, GeoGen is a real-time tool for generating heightmaps and 3D terrain.
JangaFX describes it as a successor to Grand Designer, the ‘procedural universe generator’ developed by Gil Damoiseaux, who is now working with the company.
JangaFX originally pitched it as being “built like Substance [3D] Designer, but for terrain and planets”, although the website now puts it less directly, noting that it mirrors “the familiarity of leading procedural material editors”.
The software has been available publicly since the start of the year, so check out our story on the GeoGen alpha releases for the basic technical details.
Use spline networks to control heightmaps, masks and terrain warping
Key changes in GeoGen 0.3, include the option to control terrain by using splines to define features like mountain ranges, river courses or roads.
Splines can branch, making it possible to lay out complex networks of features, with the fine details of the terrain updating in real time.
The workflow is supported for heightmaps, masks and terrain warping.
New options for coloring and detailing terrain
GeoGen 0.3 also introduces a directional color blur system for generating surface color gradients for terrain: for varying terrain color with altitude, for example.
In addition, there are new options for detailing terrain, including new options for layering and blending procedural noise types.
Keep complex node graphs organized with subgraphs
Another key structural change is support for subgraphs, making it possible to collapse an entire node graph to a single node, controlling which parameter inputs to expose.
The workflow makes it easier to keep large projects organized, collapsing sections of the graph to nodes to reduce visual clutter.
Workflow and feature improvements
There are also updates to many of GeoGen’s key nodes, with the Rock and Splatter nodes getting ths most changes: you can see a full list in the release notes.
Workflow improvements include gizmo controls for key nodes, making it easier to edit terrain in the viewport.
The software’s render engine has also been rewritten to increase the amount of detail visible in preview renders.
The changes are compatibility-breaking, so presets created in previous releases are “not guaranteed to work” in GeoGen 0.3.
Price and system requirements
GeoGen 0.3 is compatible with Windows 10+ and Linux,on systems with NVIDIA and AMD GPUs. The software is currently in beta.
Indie subscriptions, for artists earning under $1 million/year, cost $9.99/month, with users getting a perpetual licence after 18 months. Indie perpetual licences cost $149.99.
For studios with revenue up to $100 million/year, perpetual node-locked licences cost $1,399.99; floating licences cost $2,299.99. See more pricing options here.
Read a full list of new features in GeoGen 0.3 on JangaFX’s website
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