Lithtech Provides Xbox Middleware

LithTech announced today that it has finished producing middleware for Microsoft's Xbox video game console. The tools will be used for model building, world building, rendering, and source code. These tools will allow Xbox software developers to bring their ideas to fruition in a much shorter time period and help them to avoid building a brand-new game engine for each new project. LithTech has supported Microsoft's DirectX technology in the past.

"LithTech Inc. has put a tremendous amount of work into the development and refinement of the LithTech engine to provide developers with the premier tool for designing stunning 3D games within a cost effective development cycle," commented Jason Hall, CEO of LithTech.

LithTech's tools for the Xbox will also aid in porting PC games to the Xbox and will help Xbox software developers make efficient use of the console's onboard features such as vertex shading, fully programmable geometry, and real-time lighting. Additionally, LithTech's 3D engine for the Xbox is capable of creating sprawling outdoor areas, large city environments, and detailed character models.

"We are very excited about having the powerful LithTech 3D engine as part of our new middleware program," said Drew Angeloff, tools program manager for Microsoft's Xbox. "The availability of the LithTech engine as an option for Xbox developers is a solid step forward in our commitment to building a strong middleware program and ensuring that the Xbox platform has excellent third-party tool support."