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As WP's managing editor, I edit review and preview articles, attempt to keep up with the frantic pace of Rainier's news posts, and keep our reviewers on deadline, which is akin to herding cats. When I have a moment to myself and don't have my nose in a book, I like to play action/RPG, adventure and platforming games.

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'Irth Online' Will Use SpeedTree Technology

by Judy on Feb. 3, 2005 @ 1:31 p.m. PST

Magic Hat Software has announced its new MMORPG Irth Online, scheduled for release in 2Q05, will use SpeedTree, the real-time foliage rendering technology from Interactive Data Visualization.

“We’re using SpeedTreeRT because it allows us to create the most visually impressive foliage possible for the three civilizations in Irth Online -- the snowy Frei in the north, the southern swamplands of Tian Zhen, and the eastern deserts of Miquatica,” said Dennis Robinson, Lead Developer. “The technology also allowed us to reduce our development time and cost.”

SpeedTreeRT delivers low-polygon, highly realistic trees and plants, with adjustable wind effects, seamless LOD transitions, and an included library of hundreds of tree models from 130 core species.

”The forest screenshots suggest Magic Hat has made outstanding use of our foliage technology,” said Kevin Meredith, director of business development for IDV. “Irth Online players will occupy a world that meets the next generation’s standard in outdoor realism, wind effects and overall beauty.”

Irth Online is a virtual world in which players role play characters in a free form, fantasy-based storyline. Players join Irth’s history at a period when a fragile truce exists among the far flung civilizations of the snowy Arcadians in the north, the southeastern swamps and marshes of Morbus, and the southwestern tropical region of Mezoteks – and determine the course of history for each civilization.

The persistent world environment of Irth Online features an open ended skill system. Players may learn any skill offered in the game without facing limitations of race or class. Irth Online's advancement system has a unique skill-over-time feature, allowing all characters to enjoy adventures together, regardless of experience level. Player battle and fighting include PvE (Player vs. Environment) and PvP (Player vs. Player).

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