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Joseph Keller
Epic Games has released version 4.3 of it's Unreal game engine, with this version adding support for Metal, Apple's new low-level application programming interface (API) coming with iOS 8. You'll need compile your code with the Xcode 6 beta, and Metal is not enabled by default, though this is easily done through your game's Project Settings. According to the Unreal Engine blog:
Unreal Engine 4.3 includes greatly improved mobile support, awesome new rendering features, improved Blueprint workflows, and strides toward an excellent experience on Mac and laptops. Be sure to check out the new World Composition tools, spline features, and the preview of Paper2D, our 2D toolset! Today we're also shipping SpeedTree 7 support, our work on Metal API for iOS 8 to date, and new Oculus Rift features such as time warping.
Metal was originally introduced back at WWDC 2014. It gives game developers more access to the power of the A7, and features faster draw calls, precompiled shaders, and more. Epic was actually on-stage during the WWDC keynote, demonstrating a work in progress that utilized Metal, Zen Garden. Epic plans to release Zen Garden when iOS 8 ships later this year.
Be sure to check out our look at Metal in iOS 8. Are you excited about Metal? Let us know below in the comments.
Source: Unreal Engine blog, Rolando Caloca
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