Speedtree 9 released
Jan 14, 2022 by CGPress Staff
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IDV has announced the release of Speedtree 9, the latest version of its plant modelling software. New features include Mesh Converter, a new Generator that can convert photogrammetry scans into procedural models; and freehand Mode that allows the user to hand-draw models, bend branches, sculpt key details, and even edit at vertex level. This release also harmonises the pricing between Games and Cinema versions and an indie version that now costs $19 per month. See a full list of what’s new on the SpeedTree blog
Not necessarily a fan of removing permanent licensing but, overall, their new pricing model for Cinema is a great move. Their old pricing was just a bit awkward; too expensive for hobbyists and indie folks and I got the sense that their user base was a lot smaller than it should have been. I hope they do well. This is a great set of tools and the pricing makes it much more appealing to more people. I do hope they follow suit with their engine product. I would love to use SpeedTree engine in Clarisse.
Speedtree Cinema with Indie pricing is great news for freelancers. However, I’m very worried about Speedtree Engine for Clarisse. It now only shows in the Enterprise section of the website, as if only studios needed access to it (at a higher studio price most likely). Some freelancers that do a lot of digital environments work, like myself, rely on Clarisse and Speedtree Engine for their daily work. I really hope they will reconsider this move and expand Engine subscriptions to indies and freelancers.
Yah, I don’t understand limiting the reach of Engine that way. Getting more people to use SpeedTree engine would seem like a huge win for them and a clear advantage over other tree solutions; similar to the advantage of have live Substance materials in DCC apps as opposed to having to export to textures.