Spiral Graphics Inc. has revealed Genetica 2.5, a significant upgrade to its
flagship seamless texture editor. The new version, which will be a free
upgrade, is expected in early 2006.
New "effect map" functionality in Genetica 2.5 will allow 3D artists to
achieve heightened levels of photorealism with their materials. Genetica
2.5 will generate effect maps that can be used in any of the channels
supported by popular 3D environments, such as bump, specular, reflection,
and luminance, to name a few. These effect maps are fully seamless,
resolution independent, and will automatically update to match any edits
made to the texture.
Designers who are using the new effect maps to apply bumps or displacements
in their final scenes will appreciate the new "Color Only Render" mode that
will automatically strip baked highlights and shadows out of a texture.
Artists working with real time game engines will enjoy fully integrated
normal map generation.
Genetica 2.5 also includes new noise types, additional nodes, synchronized
floating views, superior transparency support, and more.
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