New Architect > Archives > 2002 > February > Design Product Review

From Games to 3D on the Web

By Clayton Crooks

If you look at the number of technologies currently competing for the lead in 3D on the Web, it's easy to get caught up in the technical specifications. While it's important to understand the differences between the technologies and how and why they work, mechanics are only part of the equation. More important are the tools used to create content. After all, developers are quick to take advantage of well-designed tools, especially those that let them use their current skill sets. The importance of developer support becomes obvious as more and better content draws increased consumer interest. Undoubtedly, the end user will ultimately decide on the winners and losers in this arena.

Pulse 3D, one of the players in the 3D competition, appears to understand this issue. It is taking advantage of applications such as 3D Studio Max, the standard in 3D-character and virtual-environment development for games. Pulse was founded in the early 1990s, and you may already be familiar with its work in the game space. The company released an extremely popular game called "Iron Helix" and in doing so, pioneered 3D rendering for CD-ROM games. Pulse continued game development for several years and had other quality releases such as "Bad Mojo." Then in 1997, the company turned its attention to the Web with Animation Studio, now in its fifth version.

Pulse Animation Studio 5.0