Unity 4 early access program for Windows Store apps begins, Windows Phone still on the horizon?

The Unity team (backside the Unity video game engine that powers a number of popular titles) has announced on the official web log that the Windows Store apps early access plan is kicking off. With Unity four.2, developers volition be able to create games for computers and tablets running Windows 8 and RT, publishing them on the Windows Store.

This opens up the floodgates for both developers and consumers to connect with Unity-powered content, just what about Windows Phone?

For the Windows Store back up, should you be a programmer and feel brave enough to become an early adopter of technology that's notwithstanding in active development, then be certain to enrol in the programme. The squad is especially interested in intermediate or advanced Unity users. Part of the beta testing stage, those who are in the programme volition proceeds early access to test the new platform, report bugs and provide feedback.

Unity has already played a part with games that are listed on the Windows Store, with the likes of Orcs Must Survive and Gunpowder being amidst the many Unity-authored titles already bachelor. The Windows Store apps support in Unity iv is still in evolution, meaning the engine may not exist feature complete nor fully optimised.

Both x86 and ARM systems are fully supported, with the minimum DirectX version requirement existence DirectX eleven Feature level ix.1. Existing games can exist ported to the Windows Store apps platform using the Unity iv.2 alpha / beta builds and the company will provide a 2-month trial license for all registered beta participants, which will unlock the platform support in the Unity toolset.

Note that this beta period is non for publishing games to the Windows Store. Projects developed with the trial license will exist watermarked and not for commercial release. Developers can contact the Unity sales department for further information. This is all skillful and keen with Windows set to receive a boost in the game selection on the Windows Shop.

Simply dorsum to our original question, what about Windows Phone?

We're notwithstanding waiting for Windows Phone eight support from Unity with version 4 of its engine. Version 3.5 is utilised in a number of titles, but with the early access programme for Windows Store apps kicking off, we can't help only wonder if Windows Phone support is far backside. Unity has already shown a demonstration of version 4 running on Windows Phone 8, and we fifty-fifty interviewed CEO of Unity Technologies, David Helgason near it.

When asked about the status of Windows Telephone's support, Unity's Vilmantas Balasevicius did reply with the following:

"Regarding Windows Phone 8: can't really comment now, but stay tuned for more than interesting news…"

Well, it's no official argument, but we can't bet that we'll learn annihilation new in the near hereafter. Though nosotros can't imagine it being far off either. Windows Phone eight is an important platform for Unity to target, especially since it's planning to permit developers who utilize its engine to develop and release titles to the Windows Shop. We'll be certain to stay tuned, then watch this infinite for more details every bit presently equally they're bachelor.

We'll also be holding Unity hostage at the upcoming Game Developers Conference for some answers.

Source: Unity; thank you, @EasyPeasyJD, for the tip!

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