Software developer Autodesk has launched Stingray, a new game engine based on the Bitsquid engine it bought last year.

The company aims to snag small to medium sized studios with Stingray's blend of drag-and-drop, node-based scripting, high-quality particle and visual effects options, and smooth workflow with 3D apps.

Stingray supports VR, physical shading, depth-of-field, lens blur, and motion blur, as well as systems like PhysX and Autodesk's own Scaleform.

It can output software for iOS and Android; Xbox One and PS4; and Windows.

Mirroring the tightness of suites like Adobe CC, Autodesk's 3D modelling and animation suites Maya and 3DS Max will see extra integration with Stingray, like live content updates between apps.

Autodesk has serious competition in the game engine realm, with Unreal Engine 4 and Unity already claiming huge market shares; however, the ubiquity of its 3D apps may aid in its adoption.

Stingray will be available August 19 for US$30 per month, with no royalty fees; perplexingly, a bundle of Stingray and Maya LT will arrive later this year, also for $30 per month.