BiteTheBytes has released World Creator 2024.1, the latest update to its GPU-based terrain generator.
This update introduces a new rivers system, capable of carving river valleys through terrain. It also includes Polygon Layers for modifying terrain elevation, three new filters, and a bridge tool for Blender 4.1.
(Full disclosure: the release actually happened earlier this month.)
A procedural GPU-based terrain generator used by leading games and VFX studios
This GPU-based terrain generator blends procedural and manual editing workflows. It’s been adopted by artists at prominent games and VFX studios.
Initially a Unity game engine plugin, it evolved into a standalone application in 2017 and became independent of Unity with the release of World Creator 3 in 2022.
Artists create terrain using a layer-based workflow, sculpting or stamping basic 3D forms, and generating linear landforms like mountain ranges, rivers, and roads along vector paths.
The terrain is modifiable using a wide array of filters, including those simulating erosion and sediment deposition. Results are previewed using the software’s built-in ray tracing renderer.
Users can export terrain in various 3D formats (OBJ, FBX, glTF) to DCC applications and game engines, or as 2D texture maps (including height maps and flow maps), supporting 32-bit EXRs.
New rivers system carves river valleys based on slope angle and water flow
The standout feature in World Creator 2024.1 is the new Rivers system. It carves river valleys into the terrain. Users can generate rivers automatically from hand-placed source points or build them from scratch for precise control.
River width, depth, and sinuosity are determined by the terrain slope at each point and flow parameters controlling water volume.
Users can adjust parameters to fine-tune river and valley shapes, and overall settings control branching, lake formation, and sea level.
Other changes: Polygon Layers, new filters and performance updates
Other notable changes include the return of Polygon Layers, allowing the creation of custom raised or flattened terrain areas. (Previously known as Shape Layers in World Creator 2.)
Three new filters have been added: Hexagons, Squeeze, and Rocky Layers.
Performance improvements have been implemented, along with fixes for AMD GPU users.
The Bridge Tools – integration plugins for DCC applications – have also been updated, including a new plugin for Blender 4.1.
BiteTheBytes’ changelogs are available only to existing users in their customer portal. More details of the new features can be found in the online documentation.
Availability and system requirements
World Creator 2024.1 is available for Windows 7 and later. Integration plugins support Blender 2.93+, Cinema 4D R25+, Houdini 19.0+, Unity 2022+, and Unreal Engine 4.26+.
Perpetual Professional licenses cost $289; Company licenses (for firms with over five employees) cost $2,489. Companies can rent the software for $1,289/year.
Further details on World Creator 2024’s new features can be found on the product website.
Source: https://www.cgchannel.com/2024/04/bitethebytes-releases-world-creator-2024-1/