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N-World

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Adapted from the English Wikipedia article N-World, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 8 August 2025
N-World
Company typeSoftware
Industry3D computer graphics, Video game development
PredecessorS-Graphics (by Symbolics)
Founded1992
FounderNichimen Graphics
FateRebranded as Mirai in 1999
Headquarters
Japan
Products3D graphics software for Silicon Graphics and Windows NT

N-World is a 3D graphics software created by Nichimen Graphics during the 1990s for use on Silicon Graphics and Windows NT platforms. It was primarily developed to support video game asset production and includes tools for polygonal modeling, both 2D and 3D painting, scripting capabilities, color palette optimization, and exporters compatible with major gaming consoles.

Following its debut on Windows NT, the software was rebranded as Mirai. Its winged edge polygon modeling system served as the foundation for Nichimen Graphics' creation of Nendo, an independent 3D modeling application that subsequently influenced the open-source program Wings 3D.

History

The origins of N-World trace back to Symbolics, a company recognized in the 1980s for manufacturing Lisp-based computer systems. Symbolics developed S-Graphics, a comprehensive 3D animation toolkit composed of modules dedicated to polygon modeling, physics simulation, painting, and rendering—named S-Geometry, S-Dynamics, S-Paint, and S-Render respectively. In 1992, the Japanese trading firm Nichimen Corporation acquired the rights to S-Graphics, adapted it for Silicon Graphics' IRIX operating system, and marketed it under the name N-World.

Maintaining its Lisp-oriented framework, N-World was aimed at creators of interactive media with features especially suited to game development. The initial full package was priced at , which was reduced to after its transition to Windows NT in 1997.

Throughout the 1990s, N-World was utilized in producing graphics for numerous console titles such as Super Mario 64 and Final Fantasy VII. In 1999, it was succeeded by Mirai.

Features

Building on its predecessor S-Graphics, N-World consists of several integral modules:

  • N-Geometry: Tools for creating and editing 3D polygonal models featuring smoothing functions, "magnet" style modifications, and instancing capabilities.
  • N-Dynamics: Animation suite offering scripting support, curve-driven animation controls, and skeletal animation systems.
  • N-Render: Surfacing and rendering engine incorporating ray tracing alongside material exports tailored for various gaming platforms.
  • N-Paint: A combined 2D and 3D painting toolset including mattes, visual effects, color reduction options, and a VRAM visual editor designed specifically for PlayStation.
  • Game Tools: A collection of utilities providing exporters compatible with PlayStation, Nintendo 64, and Saturn consoles.

Credits

Prominent video games developed utilizing N-World include:


  • Rap Stars Online

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