The SpeedTree Modeler, which runs separately from Lumberyard, offers procedural and hand modeling tools that allow both efficiency and precision.
Note: SpeedTree for Lumberyard is compatible only with Lumberyard 1.9 and later.
Note: Files exported by the SpeedTree for Lumberyard Modeler (.CGF) will not work in CryEngine.
The SpeedTree 8 for Lumberyard Modeler is available with a free license provided by Amazon. In order to use the Modeler you will need to activate your free license on the SpeedTree Store.
Note: Only one license can be activated per SpeedTree account, and only one copy of the Modeler can be used at a time. If your team requires multiple seats of the SpeedTree for Lumberyard Modeler, you will need to create multiple SpeedTree accounts.
SpeedTree 8 for Lumberyard can open SpeedTree files (.SPM) and export them in a format specific to Amazon Lumberyard (.CGF). It’s important to note that SpeedTree 8 for Lumberyard will not export meshes outside of the .CGF format and is incompatible with other game engines, including CryEngine.
Using the SpeedTree Modeler is a three step process:
Note: Due to a current bug in the Lumberyard Editor, if the tree is re-exported using a different export method (i.e. a change in what is atlased), Lumberyard will need to be restarted as the .MTL file can’t be updated while the Lumberyard Editor is running.
After exporting your SpeedTree to your project, there are a key elements that will help make your scene look great.
By default, new levels in Lumberyard don't have any global illumination enabled resulting in black shadows. To add diffuse to the shadows in your scene you will need to either enable Voxel Global Illumination or add an environment probe.
A Sample Conifer with-out Global Illumination enabled:
To enable voxel global illumination
A Sample Conifer with Global Illumination enabled:
SpeedTree leverages Lumberyard's native wind mechanism for the Lumberyard compatible versions of the Modeler. This wind can be previewed and edited inside of the SpeedTree for Lumberyard Modeler. (Lumberyard Wind)
When you export the tree for Lumberyard, all of these settings except “Bending” will be imported. There is no mechanism for importing the main bending value via .CGF file, so you'll need to enter your “Bending” value manually in Lumberyard.
“Bending” and other vegetation parameters can be accessed in the Terrain, Vegetation panel in Rollup Bar for a previously selected vegetation object. You can adjust parameters for one or more selected objects.