The Snowdrop Engine is a game engine developed by Ubisoft Massive, specifically designed for Tom Clancy’s The Division to push the next-gen consoles Xbox One and PlayStation 4 to their limits. It was entirely written in 64-bit code (not a conversion from 32-bit to 64-bit) and benefits from multi-threading, memory management, and programmable GPUs.
Contents
The engine is now also optimized for PC, as Tom Clancy’s The Division was announced for PC in 2013 following a petition with over 100,000 participants.
For the physics part, Ubisoft relies on the well-established Havok Physik Engine, which has been used in other Ubisoft titles.
The developers follow these principles with the Snowdrop Engine:
- Making things better, not bigger (quality over quantity)
- Giving content creators more freedom
- Creating more with less
Key Features & Engine Characteristics
- Node-Based Scripting System: This links all areas, from rendering, AI, mission scripts, to the UI.
- Realistic Day-Night Cycle: Dynamic changes between day and night in the game world.
- Global Volumetric Lighting: Comprehensive and realistic lighting effects throughout the game environment.
- Stunning Procedural Destruction: Real-time destruction effects that add to the game’s immersion.
- Detail Through Advanced Particle System and Visual Effects: High level of detail achieved through sophisticated particles and visual effects.
- Dynamic Material Shaders: Materials in the game dynamically change and adapt.
- Responsive Game World with Sophisticated AI: The game world reacts to player actions with advanced AI systems.
Nordic Game Conference 2014
Interesting Facts About the Snowdrop Engine
The name “Snowdrop,” often mistakenly associated with a snowflake or similar, literally translates from English to “snowdrop“—a flower commonly found in local gardens. Upon closer inspection, the logo of the Snowdrop Engine precisely resembles the distinctive blossom of a snowdrop.
Due to the name, many wonder if the engine is specifically tailored for snowy landscapes or if it can be used for other purposes as well. The following video from GDC 2014 impressively demonstrates that a wide range of applications is indeed possible:
Here are some additional videos about the Snowdrop Engine:
Snowdrop Tech Showcase 2018: This video provides insights into the Snowdrop Engine’s capabilities and how it empowers developers to create ambitious AAA games. Watch here.
Empowering Creators – Snowdrop: This video showcases how the Snowdrop Engine has evolved from a prototype for The Division to being used in Ubisoft studios worldwide. It highlights the engine’s data-driven approach and how it empowers content creators. Watch here.
Snowdrop Engine – GDC 2014 [UK]: Go behind the scenes at Massive Entertainment and discover the power of the Snowdrop Engine, Massive’s in-house solution for video game creation on new-generation consoles. Watch here.
