Graphical user interface, or GUI, software is a tricky subject in the gamedev world. Many studios have developed their own proprietary solutions, some of which, as I can personally testify, are far from ideal. Scaleform, created by Autodesk, is a middleware solution to the age-old problem. It utilises an off-the-shelf package, in Adobe Flash, that UI artists are familiar with and provides a means for programmers to plug it into their own game code.

Autodesk® Scaleform® enables developers to leverage the power of the Adobe® Flash® tool set to create powerful and immersive user interface environments for video games and beyond. Used in over 1000 titles across all major platforms ranging from AAA titles to casual games, Scaleform provides a streamlined solution to create hardware-accelerated 3D game menus, HUDs, animated textures, in-game videos and mini-games.

Read on to see the Autodesk Gameware GDC 2013 Show Reel and a selection of short videos capturing Scaleform GUI’s in action.

Autodesk Gameware GDC 2013 Show Reel

A selection of games created with Autodesk DCC tools (Maya, 3D Studio Max, Mudbox, SoftImage, MotionBuilder) or using various Autodesk Gameware middleware solutions, including Navigation, HumanIK, Beast, and Scaleform.

Crysis 2 – UI

Split Second – UI

ModNation Racers – UI

Splinter Cell: Conviction – UI

Mass Effect 2 – UI

Batman Arkham Asylum – UI

DarkSiders – UI

Source: Games Using Scaleform