Turn 3D Shapes into 2D Static or Animated Sprites

SpriteWorks is a utility that converts 3D models (DTS,X,FBX) into static or animated 2D sprite sheets. This is an ideal tool for any 2D game from RPG/RTS to arcade shooters - you can find free 3D models on TurboSquid and drop them into your 2D games very easily. SpriteWorks creates animated sprite sheets based on shape animation, axis rotation, or both. Installation of Visual Studio / Visual C# Express 2008 and XNA 3.0 are required, so this is an ideal solution for Torque X developers.

This is a great solution for Torque X 2D developers looking to get quality content into their games. There are many content packs and 3D models that can be purchased and converted into high-quality sprites for 2D games. Produced sprites can be used for 2D game characters and scene objects, rotating previews of game objects, rotating power-up objects, or even HUD elements, such as inventory items and talking character faces.

Features
* Convert 3D models to 2D sprites - including GarageGames content packs
* Camera adjustment - vertical/horizontal/distance/FOV
* Software Anti-Aliasing to sharpen the source model
* True-color alpha blending along the edges
* Animated sprite sheet creation for DTS shapes (embedded DSQ or DSQ file)
* Static sprite rendering of .X and.FBX models (single frame)
* Variable sized image output to PNG, JPG, BMP
* Saving and selecting camera presets between sessions
* Shape auto-rotation static or animated
* Adjustable model preview window background color
* Animation jog-control to pause and pick a specific animation frame to capture

Requirements
Again, installation of Visual Studio / Visual C# Express 2008 and XNA 3.0 is required since SpriteWorks remotely invokes MSBUILD to compile art assets in real-time. This makes SpriteWorks a great solution for Torque X game programmers. You can use SpriteWorks to produce sprite sheets for other game engines, but Visual Studio and XNA 3.0 are still required.

More Information
You can find more information about SpriteWorks 1.0 online at the EnvyGames website at:
www.envygames.com/content/?page_id=65

Pricing
SpriteWorks is targeted at independent game developers, so the price tag is a modest $35, which includes free upgrades. Some of the upgrades planned are listed below. A full-source version of SpriteWorks is also available for those few that want to completely customize the tool to add specific features or integrate it into their own development pipeline.

Upgrades on the Way
The goal behind the SpriteWorks 1.0 release was to get the basic functionality out there so that developers can start leveraging the benefits right away. The next release of SpriteWorks is already underway and focuses more on visual effects. Specifically, a list of shader effects will be available, such as glow (see image), cartoon rendering, and color blending. Also, lighting with optional shadow mapping and normal mapping will be added.

John K.
www.envygames.com