Amazon releases free Lumberyard game engine with Twitch integration

Amazon releases free Lumberyard game engine with Twitch integration

 

Amazon releases free Lumberyard game engine which is based on CryEngine and features Twitch integration which allows Streamers to invite fans into games and the ability to integrate twitch chat into the games mechanics.

The engine will be free to use, but one of the main selling points of the engine is it’s integration with Twitch and the ability to easily use Amazon based cloud services and servers for multiplayer play. Users of the engine are not required to use the Amazon cloud, so fully single player games can use the engine be completely free.

Right now the Engine supports PC, Xbox One and the PS4, but mobile support for iOS and Android is coming soon and support for Mac and Linux is coming in the future, likely through the upcoming Vulkan API. 

 

  

 

Q. How does Amazon make money with Lumberyard?

Lumberyard is free, including source. We make money when you use other AWS services. We built Lumberyard to make it faster and easier to build fantastic live, multiplayer, community-driven games – which naturally connect to the cloud to provide these features to players. However, there is no requirement to connect your game to the cloud. There are also no seat fees, subscription fees, or requirements to share revenue. You pay only for the infrastructure resources you choose to use. For full licensing details, see Licensing.

Q. Is Lumberyard based on CryEngine?

Lumberyard is made up of proven technology from CryEngine, AWS, Twitch, and Double Helix. We’ve hired some of the best game technologists in the world, who have already made over 41 pages of additions, fixes, and improvements to Lumberyard. For example, we’ve integrated a brand new networking layer, GridMate, so your engineers can more easily build low-latency, high-player count, multiplayer games. We’ve also created a new launcher and project configurator so your team can get set up without engineering help. We’ve also created new workflows so your artists can iterate faster and create higher-quality content, including a new particle editor, 2D/UI tool, and cross-platform asset pipeline. Please see our full release notes of additions, fixes, and improvements to learn more, and tune in to our GameDev Blog for more news on what we are working on.

Q. What device platforms does Lumberyard support?

Lumberyard currently supports PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4. Mobile support for iOS and Android devices is coming soon, along with additional support for Mac and Linux. Note that Sony and Microsoft only permit developers who have passed their screening process to develop games for their platforms.

 

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