Non-profit organization Open 3D Foundation (O3DF) introduced the output of an open game 3D engine Open 3D Engine 23.10 (O3DE), suitable for the development of modern AAA games and high-precision simulators capable of working in real time and ensuring cinema-quality. The code is written in C++ and published under the Apache 2.0 license. There is support for platforms Linux, Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
The initial texts of the O3DE engine were opened in July 2021 by Amazon and based on the code of the previously developed proprietary engine amazon lumberyard, built on the technology of the Cryengine engine licensed by Crytek in 2015. After the opening, the development of the engine is overseen by the non-profit organization Open 3D Foundation, created under the auspices of Linux Foundation. In addition to Amazon, companies such as Epic Games, Adobe, Huawei, Microsoft, Intel, and Niantic have joined the project.
The engine includes integrated tools for game development, a multi-flow system of photorealistic rendering called atom renderer with support for Vulkan, Metal, and DirectX 12. It also has an extended editor for 3D models, character animation (Emotion FX), a semi-finished development system (Prefab), a real-time simulation engine, and mathematical libraries using SIMD instructions. For determining gaming logic, developers can use a visual programming environment (Script Canvas), as well as the LUA and Python languages.
The project is originally designed to be adaptable and has a modular architecture. It offers over 30 modules in the form of individual libraries that can be replaced, integrated into third-party projects, or used separately. For example, developers can replace graphics rendering, sound systems, tongue support, network stacks, physical engines, and other components thanks to modality.
Among the changes in the new version (23.10), are:
- Improved support for platforms Linux, Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
- Enhanced tools for game development.
- Upgraded rendering system (atom renderer) with support for Vulkan, Metal, and DirectX 12.
- Expanded editor for 3D models.
- Improved character animation with Emotion FX.
- Added semi-finished development system (Prefab).
- Enhanced real-time simulation engine.
- Updated mathematical libraries using SIMD instructions.