Login
Login

Silicon Studio

{{short description|Japanese technology company and video game developer}}

{{More citations needed|date=September 2014}}

{{Infobox company

| name = Silicon Studio Corporation

| native_name = シリコンスタジオ株式会社

| native_name_lang = ja

| romanized_name = Shirikonsutajio Kabushiki-gaisha

| logo = Silicon Studio logo.svg

| type = Public (K.K.)

| foundation = {{Start date|2000}}

| traded_as = {{Tyo|3907}}

| location_city = Tokyo

| location_country = Japan

| key_people = Teruyasu Sekimoto (Honorary Chairman)
Shinichiro Kajitani (President and CEO)

| industry = Computer graphics
Video games

| products = Enlgihten
YEBIS
3D Dot Game Heroes
Bravely Default
Bravely Second: End Layer

| num_employees = 192 (as of November 2023){{Cite web|url=https://www.siliconstudio.co.jp/en/corporate/data.html|title=Company Profile - Silicon Studio|website=www.siliconstudio.co.jp}}

| homepage = [https://www.siliconstudio.co.jp/en/ siliconstudio.co.jp English]

}}

Silicon Studio Corporation is a Japanese computer graphics technology company and HR services provider based in Tokyo. As a technology development company, Silicon Studio has produced several products in the 3D computer graphics field, including middleware software, such as a post-processing visual effects library YEBIS, real-time global illumination technology, such as Enlighten, and Mizuchi, a physically based rendering engine. As a video game developer, Silicon Studio has worked on many different titles for several gaming platforms, most notably, the action-adventure game 3D Dot Game Heroes on the PlayStation 3, the role-playing video games Bravely Default and Bravely Second: End Layer on the Nintendo 3DS, and Fantasica on the iOS and Android mobile platforms.

History

Silicon Studio was established in 2000. It was founded by Teruyasu Sekimoto, who was formerly the senior vice president of Silicon Graphics (SGI).{{cite web |url=https://www.siliconstudio.co.jp/en/corporate/the-innovation-of-silicon-studio/sp/detail02.html |title=The Innovation of Silicon Studio - Silicon Studio |website=www.siliconstudio.co.jp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402135946/http://www.siliconstudio.co.jp/en/corporate/the-innovation-of-silicon-studio/sp/detail02.html |archive-date=2015-04-02}} Specializing from the start in rendering technology, research and development methods, post-processing visual effects, game content development, and online game solutions, Silicon Studio created four main studios to achieve the highest productivity in these areas.{{citation needed|date=June 2018}} The research team at Silicon Studio developed several techniques related to fields in visual effects shown at the Computer Entertainment Developers Conference, such as post effect processing and global illumination. While traditionally a provider of middleware solutions for Japanese game developers, Silicon Studio has grown as an international company with a greater focus on the visibility of their products abroad.{{citation needed|date=June 2018}}

Silicon Studio has partnerships with a number of companies, including Allegorithmic from France, Audiokinetic from Canada, Stainless Games from the UK, Kunos Simulazioni and Milestone from Italy, Microsoft and Pixar from the USA, Papergames{{Cite web |title=Papergamesがシリコンスタジオのグローバルイルミネーション技術を全面採用 |url=https://japan.zdnet.com/release/30756863/ |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=ZDNET Japan |language=ja}} from China, and a number of Japanese companies including Nintendo,{{Cite web |date=2017-04-21 |title=Silicon Studio Promises To Bring Multiple Engines To The Nintendo Switch |url=https://mynintendonews.com/2017/04/21/silicon-studio-promises-to-bring-multiple-engines-to-the-nintendo-switch/ |access-date=2024-08-26 |website=My Nintendo News |language=en-US}} Bandai Namco, DeNA, Dimps, FromSoftware, Idea Factory, Koei Tecmo, Marvelous, Sega, and Sony Computer Entertainment.{{Official website|https://www.siliconstudio.co.jp/en/}} Silicon Studio has also partnered with the following companies: Vivante,{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconstudio.co.jp/en/pr/2013/en1309sskk_vivante.html |title=Silicon Studio Partners with Vivante |access-date=2014-04-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416180716/http://www.siliconstudio.co.jp/en/pr/2013/en1309sskk_vivante.html |archive-date=2014-04-16 }} OTOY,{{Cite web| url=http://www.siliconstudio.co.jp/en/pr/2013/pdf/siliconstudio_otoy.pdf | title=Silicon studio and otoy inc. announce partnership for siggraph 2013 - Global Middleware Provider and California-Based Cloud Rendering Company Highlight Integration of YEBIS 2 into Cloud Rendering Solution | access-date=2014-04-16 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416180714/http://www.siliconstudio.co.jp/en/pr/2013/pdf/siliconstudio_otoy.pdf | archive-date=2014-04-16}} Square Enix, and Matchlock.

In February 2015, Silicon Studio was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Mothers market.{{Cite web |date= |url=https://www.jpx.co.jp/english/listing/stocks/new/b5b4pj00000061ti-att/02SiliconStudio-OutlineEN.pdf |title=Outline of Initial Listing Issue|publisher=Japan Exchange Group |page= |access-date=2017-11-29}}

Video games

Games developed by Silicon Studio:

class="wikitable"
Release date

!Titles

!Genre

!Publisher(s)

!Platform(s)

2007

|Operation Darkness (Special Thanks)

|Tactical role-playing

|{{Video game release|JP|Success|NA|Atlus}}

|Xbox 360

rowspan=2 | 2009

|Onore no Shinzuru Michi Wo Yuke

|Action

|{{Video game release|JP|FromSoftware}}

|PlayStation Portable

3D Dot Game Heroes

|Action-adventure

|{{Video game release|JP|FromSoftware|NA|Atlus|EU|SouthPeak Games}}

|PlayStation 3

2010

|Three Kingdoms Card Battle

|Social role-playing

|Silicon Studio{{Cite web|url=https://www.siliconstudio.co.jp/en/products-service/apps/|title=Game Apps and Social Games - Development Showcase - Silicon Studio|website=www.siliconstudio.co.jp}}

|Mobage

rowspan=3 | 2012

|Bravely Default

|Role-playing

|{{Video game release|JP|Square Enix}} {{vgrelease|NA / PAL|Nintendo}}

|Nintendo 3DS

Fantasica

|Tactical role-playing

|rowspan=2 | Silicon Studio

|rowspan=2 | Mobage

Muramasa: Princess Commander

|Social card game

2014

|Monster Takt

|Role-playing

|rowspan=2 | Silicon Studio

|rowspan=2 | Android, iOS

2014

|Age of Ishtaria

|Action role-playing

rowspan=2|2015

|Grand Sphere

|Role-playing

|rowspan=2|Silicon Studio

|rowspan=2|Android, iOS

Muramasa: Princess Commander -Miyabi-

|Role-playing card game

2015

|Bravely Second: End Layer

|Role-playing

|{{Video game release|JP|Square Enix}} {{vgrelease|NA / PAL|Nintendo}}

|Nintendo 3DS

2017

|Terra Battle 2

|Role-playing

|{{Video game release|JP|Mistwalker}} {{vgrelease|NA|Mistwalker}}

|Android, iOS, PC

Middleware

= Enlighten =

Enlighten is middleware that processes global illumination in real time. In August 2017, Silicon Studio obtained the rights to the real-time global illumination product "Enlighten" from Geomerics.{{Cite web |first=James | last=Batchelor |date=2017-06-15 |title=Silicon Studio acquires Enlighten tech from Geomerics |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/silicon-studio-acquires-enlighten-tech-from-geomerics |access-date=2024-06-20 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en}} It supports 3D lightmaps and real-time ray tracing to improve the simulation of light in complex environments. This technology enables performance optimization and workflow simplification across multiple platforms, from consoles to mobile devices. Enlighten is integrated into Unreal Engine and supports physically-based lighting, dynamic weather, and time-of-day effects.{{Cite web |date=2022-02-16 |title=Enlighten 4: pushing the boundaries of immersion with the next generation of illumination technology |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/enlighten-4-pushing-the-boundaries-of-immersion-with-the-next-generation-of-illumination-technology |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en}}

Titles that have used Enlighten include:{{Cite web |title=Case Studies {{!}} Enlighten - Real Time Global Illumination Solution {{!}} Silicon Studio |url=https://www.siliconstudio.co.jp/middleware/enlighten/en/casestudies/ |access-date=2024-07-26 |website=www.siliconstudio.co.jp |language=en}}

As of September 2024, Enlighten supports 7 platforms. These platforms include: Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android.

Bishamon

– Bishamon is a particle effect authoring tool and runtime library that works for many gaming platforms. It is developed by a partner company and is integrated with the Orochi3 game development engine.{{Cite web|url=https://www.matchlock.co.jp/en|title=MATCHLOCK Corporation Middleware|date=November 28, 2016}}

Motion Portrait

– Motion Portrait is a technology tool that can automatically animate a portrait. It supports both regular camera photos or non-realistic character drawings.{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconstudio.co.jp/en/middleware/motion_portrait/ |title=Middleware | Motion Portrait | Silicon Studio Corporation |access-date=2014-04-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416175418/http://www.siliconstudio.co.jp/en/middleware/motion_portrait/ |archive-date=2014-04-16 }}

=YEBIS=

Development for YEBIS originally began some time around 2004.{{Cite web|url=https://gamingbolt.com/yebis-engine-interview-developing-physically-accurate-optical-post-effects|title=Yebis Engine Interview: Developing Physically Accurate Optical Post-Effects}} Notable video games that utilize YEBIS include:{{Cite web|url=https://www.siliconstudio.co.jp/middleware/yebis/en/showcase/gamelist/|title=SHOWCASE - Featured Projects | YEBIS|website=www.siliconstudio.co.jp}}

{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|

}}

Software that support YEBIS include:

As of October 2024, YEBIS supports 11 platforms. These platforms include: Windows, Linux, macOS, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PlayStation VR, Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android.

YEBIS 2

YEBIS 2 is a post-processing middleware solution that allows developers to create high-quality lens-simulation optical effects.{{Cite web|url=https://www.siliconstudio.co.jp/middleware/yebis/en/features/|title=FEATURES | Post Processing Effects Middleware YEBIS|website=www.siliconstudio.co.jp}}

In June 2013, Silicon Studio announced that their next post-processing middleware solution, YEBIS 2, would be available for game developers on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One development network. At the E3 Expo 2013, Square Enix’s tech demo Agni’s Philosophy was shown using YEBIS 2 post-processing effects.{{Cite web|url=http://www.agnisphilosophy.com/en/|title=Agni's Philosophy FINAL FANTASY REALTIME TECH DEMO|website=www.agnisphilosophy.com}}

In August 2013, the YEBIS 2 tech demo "Rigid Gems" was featured in Google’s official unveiling of the Nexus 7 mobile tablet.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hsdrk10bVGM|title=- YouTube|website=www.youtube.com}}{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconstudio.co.jp/en/pr/2013/en1307google.html |title=Yebis 2 Demo Highlights the Power of Nexus 7 |access-date=2014-05-01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416232150/http://www.siliconstudio.co.jp/en/pr/2013/en1307google.html |archive-date=2014-04-16 }} YEBIS has also been used for the Xbox One launch title, Fighter Within.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/game/fighter-within|title=Fighter Within|website=Ubisoft.com}} In May 2014, Silicon Studio announced that their YEBIS 2 middleware was being utilized in the MotoGP 14 video racing game, developed by Milestone for PlayStation 4.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/217485/YEBIS_2_REVS_UP_OPTICAL_EFFECTS_ON_NEXT_GENERATION_RACING%0ATITLE_MOTOGPtrade14.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513010717/http://gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/217485/YEBIS_2_REVS_UP_OPTICAL_EFFECTS_ON_NEXT_GENERATION_RACINGTITLE_MOTOGPtrade14.php|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 13, 2014|title=YEBIS 2 REVS UP OPTICAL EFFECTS ON NEXT GENERATION RACING TITLE MOTOGP™14|website=www.gamasutra.com}} YEBIS 2 is also utilized by Square Enix's Luminous Studio engine, and the action role-playing game Final Fantasy XV which runs on the Luminous Studio engine.{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2015-final-fantasy-15-episode-duscae-tech-analysis|title=Tech Analysis: Final Fantasy 15 Episode Duscae|first=John|last=Linneman|website=Eurogamer|date=March 21, 2015}} In 2014, Allegorithmic announced that it had integrated YEBIS 2 with software such as Substance Designer 4.3 and Substance Painter,{{Cite web|url=http://www.cgchannel.com/2014/05/substance-tools-to-get-render-tech-from-final-fantasy-xv-demo/|title=Substance tools to get Final Fantasy XV render tech | CG Channel|date=May 22, 2014}} which are supported by The Foundry's Modo software.{{Cite web|url=https://www.foundry.com/products/modo/add-ons|title=Plug-ins, Kits & Partner Products | Modo | Foundry|website=www.foundry.com}} OTOY has also been using YEBIS for their real-time path tracing engine on PC.

In 2015, Geomerics announced that it has integrated YEBIS 3 with the Forge lighting tool for the Enlighten 3 software.{{Cite web|url=https://gfxspeak.com/2015/03/06/geomerics-improves-illumination/|title=Geomerics improves real-time global illumination engine • GraphicSpeak|date=March 6, 2015}}

=Engines=

OROCHI3

– Orochi3 is an all-in-one game development engine. It supports PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360 and PC.{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconstudio.co.jp/middleware/orochi/en/ |title=The all-in-One Game Engine｜OROCHI 3 |access-date=2014-04-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140414205315/http://www.siliconstudio.co.jp/middleware/orochi/en/ |archive-date=2014-04-14 }} It was used by Bandai Namco Entertainment's fighting game Rise of Incarnates.{{Citation needed|date=February 2016}} An earlier version of Orochi was also used by Square Enix's third-person shooter arcade game Gunslinger Stratos in 2012.{{Cite web|url=http://www.technologytell.com/gaming/88142/square-enix-next-game-is-gunslinger-stratos-uses-orochi-engine/|title=GadgetellSolutions Media|access-date=2015-04-21|archive-date=2015-07-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715003437/http://www.technologytell.com/gaming/88142/square-enix-next-game-is-gunslinger-stratos-uses-orochi-engine/|url-status=dead}}

Mizuchi

A new real-time graphics engine that debuted in 2014, compatible with the PC and PlayStation 4 platforms.{{Citation needed|date=February 2016}} It is called Mizuchi, with the full title, Mizuchi: The Cutting-Edge Real-Time Rendering Engine. It is intended to be used for various different applications, including video game development, films, architectural and automobile visualization, and academic research.{{Cite web|url=https://www.siliconstudio.co.jp/middleware/mizuchi/en/|title=Mizuchi - The Real-time Rendering Engine - Silicon Studio|website=www.siliconstudio.co.jp}}

In September 2014, a tech demo running on the engine, called "Museum", was revealed. It received a positive reception for the high visual quality of its real-time graphics.[https://gamnesia.nintendoenthusiast.com/bravely-default-team-unveils-revolutionary-new-graphics-engine/ Unknown]{{deadlink|date=March 2024 | fix-attempted=yes}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.guru3d.com/news-story/mizuchi-tech-dem-renders-real-time-awesomeness.html|title=Mizuchi Tech Demo Renders Real Time awesomeness|first=Hilbert|last=Hagedoorn|website=Guru3D.com}} In December 2014, Silicon Studio announced the Mizuchi engine will be compatible with the PC at 60 frames per second and the PlayStation 4 at 30 frames per second.{{Citation needed|date=February 2016}}

=Stride=

{{main|Stride (game engine)}}

Stride, formerly known as Xenko and before that as Paradox, is a game development framework and C# game engine with an asset pipeline and a cross-platform runtime supporting iOS, Android, Windows UWP, Linux, and PlayStation 4. It was made free and open-source software in October 2014.{{cite web | title=Xenko is Going Open Source | website=Stride Game Engine | date=2014-10-17 | url=https://www.stride3d.net/blog/new-version-open-sourcing/ | access-date=2024-03-10}} Xenko beta version 1.8x was then released finally out of beta in February 2017.{{cite web | title=Silicon Studio releasing Xenko Engine | website=GamesIndustry.biz | date=2017-02-24 | url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/silicon-studio-releasing-xenko-engine | access-date=2024-03-10}} In April 2020, engine was renamed to Stride.{{Cite web|url=http://stride3d.net/blog/xenko-has-been-renamed-to-stride/|title=Stride Game Engine - Xenko has been renamed to Stride|website=stride3d.net}}

References

{{Reflist|30em}}

External links

  • {{Official website|https://www.siliconstudio.co.jp/en/}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Japanese companies established in 2000

Category:3D computer graphics

Category:Free and open-source software

Category:Software companies based in Tokyo

Category:Software companies established in 2000

Category:Video game companies established in 2000

Category:Video game companies of Japan

Category:Video game development companies