LithTech: Difference between revisions
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| developer = [[Monolith Productions]] | | developer = [[Monolith Productions]] | ||
| latest release version = Firebird | | latest release version = Firebird | ||
| latest release date = {{Start date and age|2017}} | | latest release date = {{Start date and age|2017}} | ||
| Status: Dissolved | |||
| latest preview version = | | latest preview version = | ||
| latest preview date = | | latest preview date = | ||
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| platform = | | platform = | ||
| genre = [[Game engine]] | | genre = [[Game engine]] | ||
| license = [[Proprietary software|Proprietary]] | | license = [[Proprietary software|Proprietary]] | ||
| website = {{URL|http://www.lith.com}} | | website = {{URL|http://www.lith.com}} | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''LithTech''' is a [[game engine]] developed by [[Monolith Productions]] and comparable with the [[Quake engine|Quake]] and [[Unreal Engine|Unreal]] engines. Monolith and a number of other [[video game developer]]s have used LithTech as the basis for their [[first-person shooter]] games. | |||
'''LithTech''' is a discontinued [[game engine]] developed by [[Monolith Productions]] and comparable with the [[Quake engine|Quake]] and [[Unreal Engine|Unreal]] engines. Monolith and a number of other [[video game developer]]s have used LithTech as the basis for their [[first-person shooter]] games. | |||
Monolith initially developed the engine for [[Microsoft]] before purchasing the rights to it and licensing it to other developers via subsidiary LithTech Inc. The licensing company was renamed to Touchdown Entertainment in 2003 and later absorbed into [[Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]] after its acquisition of Monolith. | Monolith initially developed the engine for [[Microsoft]] before purchasing the rights to it and licensing it to other developers via subsidiary LithTech Inc. The licensing company was renamed to Touchdown Entertainment in 2003 and later absorbed into [[Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]] after its acquisition of Monolith. | ||
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The last version of LithTech offered for licensing was Jupiter EX, initially released in 2005, however Monolith has continued to use LithTech technology in their games, including ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]'', released in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Morgan|first1=Thomas|title=Face-Off: Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2014-shadow-of-mordor-face-off|website=Eurogamer|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=July 25, 2017|date=October 4, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Lane|first1=Rick|title=SHOGO: Mobile Armor Division - Monolith's forgotten mech shooter|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-07-16-shogo-mobile-armor-division-monoliths-forgotten-mech-shooter|website=Eurogamer|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=July 25, 2017|date=July 16, 2017}}</ref> | The last version of LithTech offered for licensing was Jupiter EX, initially released in 2005, however Monolith has continued to use LithTech technology in their games, including ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]'', released in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Morgan|first1=Thomas|title=Face-Off: Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2014-shadow-of-mordor-face-off|website=Eurogamer|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=July 25, 2017|date=October 4, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Lane|first1=Rick|title=SHOGO: Mobile Armor Division - Monolith's forgotten mech shooter|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-07-16-shogo-mobile-armor-division-monoliths-forgotten-mech-shooter|website=Eurogamer|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=July 25, 2017|date=July 16, 2017}}</ref> | ||
After the release of ''Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor'', the studio started working on a new engine (based on LithTech technology) for larger-scale battles called "Firebird". | After the release of ''Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor'', the studio started working on a new engine (based on LithTech technology) for larger-scale battles called "Firebird". LithTech technology has been effectively discontinued with the closure of Monolith on February 25, 2025. | ||
==Versions== | ==Versions== | ||
===LithTech 1.0=== | ===LithTech 1.0=== | ||
First prototyped as the Raycasting Algorithmic Graphical Engine or RAGE,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cg.cs.tu-berlin.de/~ki/3del_1419_feat_doom.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060213132807fw_/http://cg.cs.tu-berlin.de/~ki/3del_1419_feat_doom.html|archive-date=February 13, 2006|title=3D Engines List - Doom/Wolfenstein|website=3DEL|first=Karsten|last=Isakovic|publisher=[[Technical University of Berlin]]|access-date=2025-11-28}}</ref> originally the LithTech engine was supposed to be called DirectEngine, as [[Monolith Productions|Monolith]] was developing it for [[Microsoft]] to be included as a [[3D computer graphics|3D]] engine for use with Microsoft's [[DirectX]] technology. When Microsoft decided not to use the engine Monolith bought back the rights to it and continued development on their own.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Mullen|first1=Micheal|title=Monolith Buys Back Engine|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/monolith-buys-back-engine/1100-2463499|website=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=July 25, 2017|date=April 28, 2000}}</ref> They changed the engine's name to Lithtech and licensed it to other companies. In the following years, the LithTech team was split off into a separate company, LithTech Inc.,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/01/28/lithtech-to-become-separate-company|title=LithTech to Become Separate Company|date=January 27, 2000|publisher=[[IGN]]|access-date=December 7, 2025}}</ref> which was renamed Touchdown Entertainment in March 2003.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/03/12/copperhead-coming|title=Copperhead Coming|author1=Justin|author2=Ivan|date=March 12, 2003|publisher=[[IGN]]|access-date=December 7, 2025|quote="Touchdown, as you may recall, was only recently known as LithTech. Soon it will be a company identified only by an unpronounceable symbol. "}}</ref> In 2024 the Monolith website christened this incarnation as V1.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lith.com/our-studio|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240825205804/https://lith.com/our-studio|archive-date=25 August 2024|title=Our Tech|website=[[Monolith Productions]]|access-date=2024-08-05}}</ref> | |||
===LithTech 2.0=== | ===LithTech 2.0=== | ||
Starting with LithTech 2.0, LithTech Inc. began the process of creating many different versions of the engine. Monolith released their game ''[[No One Lives Forever]]'' (NOLF) featuring this version of the engine, however it was later revised to ''LithTech 2.2''. The game received an upgrade to LithTech 2.2 in a patch release. The LithTech team then continued to improve version 2.2 for its licensees, resulting in the 2.3 and 2.4 iterations. | Starting with LithTech 2.0, LithTech Inc. began the process of creating many different versions of the engine. Monolith released their game ''[[No One Lives Forever]]'' (NOLF) featuring this version of the engine, however it was later revised to ''LithTech 2.2''. The game received an upgrade to LithTech 2.2 in a patch release. The LithTech team then continued to improve version 2.2 for its licensees, resulting in the 2.3 and 2.4 iterations. | ||
LithTech cooperated with [[RealNetworks]] in developing a custom version of LithTech 2.2 called ''RealArcade LithTech'' (or LithTech ESD). | LithTech cooperated with [[RealNetworks]] in developing a custom version of LithTech 2.2 called ''RealArcade LithTech'' (or LithTech ESD).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/lithtech-realnetworks-combine-technologies-for-new-realarcade-distribution-platform|title=LithTech, RealNetworks Combine Technologies For New RealArcade Distribution Platform|website=[[Game Developer (website)|Game Developer]]|date=March 20, 2001|access-date=January 7, 2025}}</ref> Among its features it supported [[streaming media]] for in-game billboards/ads, and could be used with RealNetworks<nowiki>'</nowiki> gaming site. At one time, RealArcade LithTech could be licensed by developers if they signed an agreement with RealNetworks. This engine was used on an internally developed title, ''[[Tex Atomic's Big Bot Battles]]''. In 2024 the Monolith website christened this incarnation as V2, and seemingly lumps in Talon.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lith.com/our-studio|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240825205804/https://lith.com/our-studio|archive-date=25 August 2024|title=Our Tech|website=[[Monolith Productions]]|access-date=2024-08-05}}</ref> | ||
===LithTech Talon=== | ===LithTech Talon=== | ||
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* ''[[Aliens versus Predator 2]]'' by [[Monolith Productions]] and Third Law Interactive (2001) | * ''[[Aliens versus Predator 2]]'' by [[Monolith Productions]] and Third Law Interactive (2001) | ||
* ''[[Elite Forces WWII: Normandy]]'' by Third Law Interactive (2001) | * ''[[Elite Forces WWII: Normandy]]'' by Third Law Interactive (2001) | ||
* ''Elite Forces: WWII - Iwo Jima'' by | * ''Elite Forces: WWII - Iwo Jima'' by 3LV Games (2001) | ||
* ''[[Purge (game)|Purge]]'' by Tri-Synergy (2002) | * ''[[Purge (game)|Purge]]'' by Tri-Synergy (2002) | ||
* ''Western Outlaw: Wanted Dead or Alive''<ref>{{cite web | * ''Western Outlaw: Wanted Dead or Alive''<ref>{{cite web | ||
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* ''[[GunGriffon: Allied Strike]]'' by [[Kama Digital Entertainment]] (2004) | * ''[[GunGriffon: Allied Strike]]'' by [[Kama Digital Entertainment]] (2004) | ||
* ''World War II: Sniper - Call to Victory'' by Jarhead Games (2005) | * ''World War II: Sniper - Call to Victory'' by Jarhead Games (2005) | ||
* ''Army Rangers: Mogadishu'' by Jarhead Games (2005) | * ''Terrorist Takedown: Conflict in Mogadishu (A.K.A. Army Rangers: Mogadishu'' by Jarhead Games (2005) | ||
* ''[[Sudden Attack]]'' by GameHi (2005) | * ''[[Sudden Attack]]'' by GameHi (2005) | ||
* ''[[Face of Mankind]]'' by [[Duplex Systems]] (2006) | * ''[[Face of Mankind]]'' by [[Duplex Systems]] (2006) | ||
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* ''Cyclone BMX'' by Unknown creator (unknown year released) | * ''Cyclone BMX'' by Unknown creator (unknown year released) | ||
* ''[[Mistmare]]'' by Arxel Tribe (2003) | * ''[[Mistmare]]'' by Arxel Tribe (2003) | ||
* ''Wolfteam'' by [[Neosonyx]] (2007) | * ''Wolfteam'' by [[Neosonyx]] (2007) | ||
Latest revision as of 21:53, 22 December 2025
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LithTech is a discontinued game engine developed by Monolith Productions and comparable with the Quake and Unreal engines. Monolith and a number of other video game developers have used LithTech as the basis for their first-person shooter games.
Monolith initially developed the engine for Microsoft before purchasing the rights to it and licensing it to other developers via subsidiary LithTech Inc. The licensing company was renamed to Touchdown Entertainment in 2003 and later absorbed into Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment after its acquisition of Monolith.
The last version of LithTech offered for licensing was Jupiter EX, initially released in 2005, however Monolith has continued to use LithTech technology in their games, including Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, released in 2014.[1][2]
After the release of Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, the studio started working on a new engine (based on LithTech technology) for larger-scale battles called "Firebird". LithTech technology has been effectively discontinued with the closure of Monolith on February 25, 2025.
Versions
LithTech 1.0
First prototyped as the Raycasting Algorithmic Graphical Engine or RAGE,[3] originally the LithTech engine was supposed to be called DirectEngine, as Monolith was developing it for Microsoft to be included as a 3D engine for use with Microsoft's DirectX technology. When Microsoft decided not to use the engine Monolith bought back the rights to it and continued development on their own.[4] They changed the engine's name to Lithtech and licensed it to other companies. In the following years, the LithTech team was split off into a separate company, LithTech Inc.,[5] which was renamed Touchdown Entertainment in March 2003.[6] In 2024 the Monolith website christened this incarnation as V1.[7]
LithTech 2.0
Starting with LithTech 2.0, LithTech Inc. began the process of creating many different versions of the engine. Monolith released their game No One Lives Forever (NOLF) featuring this version of the engine, however it was later revised to LithTech 2.2. The game received an upgrade to LithTech 2.2 in a patch release. The LithTech team then continued to improve version 2.2 for its licensees, resulting in the 2.3 and 2.4 iterations.
LithTech cooperated with RealNetworks in developing a custom version of LithTech 2.2 called RealArcade LithTech (or LithTech ESD).[8] Among its features it supported streaming media for in-game billboards/ads, and could be used with RealNetworks' gaming site. At one time, RealArcade LithTech could be licensed by developers if they signed an agreement with RealNetworks. This engine was used on an internally developed title, Tex Atomic's Big Bot Battles. In 2024 the Monolith website christened this incarnation as V2, and seemingly lumps in Talon.[9]
LithTech Talon
LithTech Inc. developed a different engine specifically for Monolith's title, Aliens versus Predator 2. LithTech Talon was based on LithTech 2.2, rather than LithTech 2.4. Because of this choice, LithTech 2.4, RealArcade LithTech, and LithTech Talon became largely incompatible with each other. However, reviewers still thought of it as inferior to Unreal or id Tech.[10][11][12]
LithTech Talon's biggest selling point lay in its capable multiplayer support, more efficient when compared to prior versions of LithTech multiplayer that featured poor networking code. Aliens versus Predator 2 features comprehensive multiplayer gameplay utilizing these improvements.
By 2003, Talon was still being licensed.[13]
LithTech 3.0
LithTech 3.0 was being developed concurrently with Talon, but, along with its revisions, LithTech 3.x would largely be considered an internal version of the engine. While it was sent to licensees, no games were finished on it. The primary feature announced for LithTech 3.x was the Distributed Object System, a new system for MMORPGs and multiplayer.[14] Unfortunately, LithTech 3.x was also plagued by a significant number of bugs and problems and all games developed with LithTech 3.x would eventually convert to the newer LithTech Jupiter or to Talon.
The unreleased Monolith game Shogo II was being developed with this iteration of the LithTech engine.[15]
LithTech Discovery
LithTech Discovery was created with the MMORPG genre and its unique requirements in mind. Discovery improved upon the working technology from LithTech 2.2, but also included the Distributed Object System which was the centerpiece of LithTech 3.x. The only game title to be powered by LithTech Discovery was The Matrix Online by Monolith. The engine was never licensed to any other company.
LithTech Jupiter
LithTech Jupiter was a thorough overhaul of the LithTech technology, developed as an alternative to 3.x.[16] In some ways, the original version of Jupiter was even more technologically advanced than its competitors, since it supported Shader Model 1.x and included a visualization tool, whereas at the time Unreal and Quake only supported CPU-based shaders.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
A custom version of Jupiter was made especially for Monolith, for use with their Tron 2.0 game; this release was codenamed LithTech Triton. Eventually, LithTech Triton's new features were merged back into LithTech Jupiter for licensees. In 2024 the Monolith website christened this incarnation as V3, with no mention of 3.0 or Discovery.[17]
LithTech Jupiter EX
As of 2005 the latest public iteration of the LithTech engine was Jupiter Extended (or Jupiter EX), which was featured in F.E.A.R. and Condemned: Criminal Origins,[18] both developed by Monolith. Compared to its precursor Jupiter, the Extended version was driven by a new DirectX 9 renderer and other advancements, including the addition of Havok physics software for improved real-world physics simulation, dynamic per-pixel lighting, bump mapping, normal mapping, and specular highlighting. Along with Havok's character dynamics, Jupiter EX also includes the "Havok Vehicle Kit", which adds support for common vehicle behavior. In 2024 the Monolith website christened this incarnation as V4 for the initial releases, and V5 for F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin and Condemned 2: Bloodshot.[19]
LithTech Firebird
Firebird was created with purpose of larger-scale battles and the expansion of the Nemesis system for Middle-earth: Shadow of War. In 2024 the Monolith website christened this incarnation as V7, with the engine used in Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor titled V6.[20]
Games using LithTech
The following is a partial list of video games built with the LithTech engine, arranged by the version of LithTech used.
1.0
- Shogo: Mobile Armor Division by Monolith Productions (1998)
- Blood II: The Chosen by Monolith Productions (1998)
A "Claw 3D" was prototyped on the engine.[21]
1.5
- TNN Outdoors Pro Hunter 2 by Monolith Productions (1999)
- KISS: Psycho Circus: The Nightmare Child by Third Law Interactive (2000)
This is also the version of the engine used in the development of the LithTech Film Producer machinima tool by Strange Company, most notably used in their short film "Ozymandius".[22] Later development switched over to LithTech 2.0 however.[23]
2.0 and 2.2
- No One Lives Forever by Monolith Productions (2000)
- Sanity: Aiken's Artifact by Monolith Productions (2000)
- Legends of Might and Magic by New World Computing (2001)[24]
- Die Hard: Nakatomi Plaza by Piranha Games (2002)
ESD
- Tex Atomic's Big Bot Battles by Monolith Productions (2001)
- Super Bubble Pop by Zombie (2001)
2.4
- MTH Railking Model Railroad Simulator by IncaGold (2001)
- Global Operations by Barking Dog Studios (now known as Rockstar Vancouver) (2002)
Talon
- Aliens versus Predator 2 by Monolith Productions and Third Law Interactive (2001)
- Elite Forces WWII: Normandy by Third Law Interactive (2001)
- Elite Forces: WWII - Iwo Jima by 3LV Games (2001)
- Purge by Tri-Synergy (2002)
- Western Outlaw: Wanted Dead or Alive[25] by Jarhead Games (2002)
- Nina: Agent Chronicles by City Interactive (2003)
- CTU: Marine Sharpshooter by Jarhead Games (2003)
- Marine Sharpshooter II: Jungle Warfare by Jarhead Games (2004)
- MARCH!: Offworld Recon by Buka Entertainment (2004)
Jupiter
- No One Lives Forever 2: A Spy In H.A.R.M.'s Way by Monolith Productions (2002)
- Rubies of Eventide by Cyber Warrior (now Mnemosyne) (2002)
- Sniper: Path of Vengeance by Xicat Interactive, Inc. (2002)
- Contract J.A.C.K. by Monolith Productions (2003)
- Gods and Generals by Anivision (2003)
- Tron 2.0 (LithTech Triton) by Monolith Productions (2003)
- Mysterious Journey II: Chameleon by Detalion (2003)
- Mob Enforcer by Touchdown Entertainment (2004)
- Sentinel: Descendants in Time by Detalion (2004)
- GunGriffon: Allied Strike by Kama Digital Entertainment (2004)
- World War II: Sniper - Call to Victory by Jarhead Games (2005)
- Terrorist Takedown: Conflict in Mogadishu (A.K.A. Army Rangers: Mogadishu by Jarhead Games (2005)
- Sudden Attack by GameHi (2005)
- Face of Mankind by Duplex Systems (2006)
- Terrawars: New York Invasion by Ladyluck Digital Media (2006)
- Combat Arms by Doobic Studios (2008)
- Cyclone BMX by Unknown creator (unknown year released)
- Mistmare by Arxel Tribe (2003)
- Wolfteam by Neosonyx (2007)
Discovery
- The Matrix Online by Monolith Productions (2005)
Jupiter EX
- F.E.A.R. by Monolith Productions (2005)
- Condemned: Criminal Origins by Monolith Productions (2005)
- F.E.A.R. Extraction Point by TimeGate Studios (2006)
- F.E.A.R. Perseus Mandate by TimeGate Studios (2007)
- Crossfire by Smilegate (2007)
- Condemned 2: Bloodshot by Monolith Productions (2008)
- Terrorist Takedown 2: US Navy SEALs by City Interactive (2008)
- Mortyr: Operation Thunderstorm by City Interactive (2008)
- Code of Honor 2: Conspiracy Island by City Interactive (2008)
- SAS: Secure Tomorrow by City Interactive (2008)
- Royal Marines: Commando by City Interactive (2008)
- F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin by Monolith Productions (2009)
- Armed Forces Corp. by City Interactive (2009)
- Battlestrike: Shadow of Stalingrad aka. Battlestrike: Force of Resistance 2 by City Interactive (2009)
- Code of Honor 3: Desperate Measures by City Interactive (2009)
- Wolfschanze II by City Interactive (2009)
- Combat Zone: Special Forces by City Interactive (2010)
- Terrorist Takedown 3 by City Interactive (2010)
- Gotham City Impostors by Monolith Productions (2012)
- District 187: Sin Streets by Netmarble (2012)
- Combat Arms: Reloaded by Doobic Studios (2017)
- Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor by Monolith Productions (2014) (Modified Lithtech Jupiter)[26]
The cancelled Batman game "Project Apollo" was also being developed on the engine, later re-worked into Shadow of Mordor.[27]
Firebird
- Middle-earth: Shadow of War by Monolith Productions (2017)[28][29]
Unknown version
- Vietnam: Black Ops by Fused Software (2000)
- Vietnam 2: Special Assignment by Single Cell Software (2001)
- Crisis Team: Ambulance Driver by Antidote Entertainment (2001)
- Alcatraz: Prison Escape by Zombie Inc. (2001)
- Elite Forces: Navy SEALs by Jarhead Games (2002)
- Might and Magic IX by New World Computing (2002)[30]
- Navy SEALs: Weapons of Mass Destruction by Jarhead Games (2003)
- Arthur's Quest: Battle for the Kingdom by 3LV Games (2003)
- Heat Project by Doobic (2003)
- Repulse by Aeria Games (2012)
References
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