Virtools

Virtools is a development environment and delivery mechanism for creating interactive 3D content. One of the best features of Virtools is that it has support for the latest versions of DirectX 3D graphics running within a browser. . In other words, the same types of high-end 3D effects that you would expect to see in popular retail games, such as fur, rippling water, high quality lighting, etc. are supported within Virtools and can be viewed as online content on the web.

Virtools content can be distributed online as a browser-based program, or as an executable which can be downloaded or distributed on CD/DVD. In addition, applications created in Virtools can also be delivered on game consoles including the Xbox and Sony's handheld PSP. This wide array of distribution options is another attractive Virtools feature.

The Virtools authoring environment allows for the integration of content created with 3D Studio Max, one of the most widely used off the shelf 3D animation programs. The authoring environment for Virtools is fairly unique. Instead of a traditional programming language, Virtools interactivity is developed primarily by using a visual scripting system. Behavioral building blocks are "wired together" by dragging and dropping them in a visual object oriented way. This method allows for rapid prototyping of basic functionality. Additionally, Virtools does contain a scripting system which allows developers to code functionality by hand, which may not be provided in the stock set of behavioral building blocks.

When compared to other online technologies, such as Flash, Virtools has a number of advantages. First of all Virtools allows for the delivery of real-time interactive 3D graphics. While a sequence of images can be displayed within Flash to give the impression of a 3D object, each of those frames is actually pre-rendered. In contrast, when viewing Virtools content the visuals are rendered on-the-fly frame by frame. This real-time display method allows for a much greater range of interactivity and dynamic content rendering. For example, a user could move about a virtual environment and freely explore any area they choose, as opposed to viewing a non-interactive, fixed-path fly-through that the developer has predetermined.

In the online 3D arena, the biggest competitor for Virtools is Adobe's Shockwave. Shockwave, which is web-based content authored in Adobe's Director Software, has far greater plugin penetration rates. About half of all web users already have the Shockwave plugin installed and can view Shockwave content seamlessly. In contrast, most users do not have the Virtools plugin. This introduces the requirement of downloading and installing a plugin to view a webpage which contains Virtools content.

Overall, Virtools is an excellent technology for providing high-end interactive 3D graphics on the web and offline. As is it in constant development, it is also likely that this technology platform with keep pace with upcoming rendering technology advances.