FMod
From DmWiki
FMod is a cross platform audio API owned by Firelight Technologies Pty, Ltd.
The most recent version of FMod is FMod Ex (FMod 4) which is a detailed over-haul of the FMod sound system. It is still possible to download and use FMod 3.74
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Supported Platforms
The following is a list of currently supported platforms under FMod.
- Linux
- Macintosh (os8/9/10)
- Microsoft Xbox
- Microsoft Xbox 360
- Nintendo GameCube
- Playstation 2
- Playstation Portable
- Windows 32bit
- Windows 64bit (AMD64)
- Windows CE (Pocket PC / Smart phone)
Licensing Costs
FMod has a more complicated licensing structure than other API's due to its professional nature. The following is a brief overview of the different licensing options.
For applications or games that are going to be free and not charged for in anyway, you are able to download and use FMod for free. This is the prefect licensing option for developers to try out FMod before committing to a pricing structure.
For hobbyist programmers and small indie developers, who’s final applications and games sell at a low price point (around $5 and less), the FMod can be licensed for $100 per title, per platform. While this does seem low, it can quickly add up. Two games developed for Windows, Linux and Mac OS would set the developer back $600.
Obviously, as the developers get more professional, and the applications and games become more sophisticated and the expected revenue is quite high, the cost of licensing FMod increase. Licensing costs then start at $1,000 up to $4,000 per platform, per title. Firelight Technologies do offer a discount to developers depending on the number of titles and platforms the developer is aiming for.
It is worth noting that how ever FMod is licensed, it is a requirements that a standard credit is inserted somewhere in the application.
Advantages of Using FMod
- Free for Independents: If you plan on making no money from your game or application, FMod is free to licence.
- Excellent Support: Support through the FMod notice boards is very expansive and a solution to a problem is often quick to arrive.
- Proven Professional Development: FMod has been used in professional products for many years, and as such the library is very stable and very mature.
- Native File Support: FMod provides native support for all common audio files (wav, ogg and mp3 as well as music modules to name a few). This means it is extremely easy to add sound support to your application without worrying about manually decoding the audio files yourself.
Disadvantages of using FMod
- Licensing Costs: The cost of licensing FMod can quickly escalate depending on its uses. Before using FMod, calculate exactly how much you will have to pay for the licence.
- Official Releases Only: FMod is not open source, and this means that as a developer, you have to wait for the next release of the SDK for any important bug fixes to be released.
Games Currently Using FMod
- Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon (http://www.ghostrecon.com/uk/)
- World Of Warcraft (http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/)
- Far Cry (http://www.farcry-thegame.com/)
FMod Tutorials
The SDK documentation that accompanies all FMod downloads is a great source of information regarding the use and set up of the FMod api. There is a distinct lack of good FMod tutorials on the Internet, but the following are some that may help you beyond the FMod documentation.
- Setting Up FMod (http://www.fmod.org/docs/tutorials/basics.htm)
- Guide To Using FMod (http://www.gamedev.net/reference/articles/article2098.asp)
- Basic FMod Tutorials (http://www.morrowland.com/apron/tut_fmod.php)
