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Frequently Asked Questions

Apex Engine  & HeroEngine

Your Questions, Answered: Explore common questions about features, pricing, support, and applications across industries.


Getting Started

What is HeroEngine?

HeroEngine is a collaborative 3D game development platform designed for building and operating online games. It combines world-building, scripting, animation, asset management, networking, and server-side development tools in a shared environment where multiple developers can work together in real time. HeroEngine has been used for large-scale online game development and continues to support both client software and connected hosted development services.

What is Apex HEL?

Apex HEL is the HeroEngine-based development environment that bridges existing HeroEngine technology with the evolving Apex Engine platform. It provides developers with a familiar collaborative workflow for building and maintaining online 3D worlds while introducing newer tooling, infrastructure, and services from the Apex Engine ecosystem. Apex HEL is intended to support current HeroEngine users as well as teams preparing to transition into newer Apex Engine workflows.

What is Apex Engine?

Apex Engine is a cutting-edge, real-time collaborative game engine designed to revolutionize 3D interactive application development. It offers powerful tools for industries like gaming, AR/VR, simulation, architecture, and training.

Is HeroEngine still available?

Yes. HeroEngine remains available and supported for existing users and ongoing projects. TGS Tech continues to maintain HeroEngine-related software, services, and hosted infrastructure while expanding the platform through Apex HEL and the broader Apex Engine ecosystem. Availability may vary by product, service, or account type as the platform continues to evolve.

Is Apex Engine available now?

Apex Engine is currently in development. While Apex Engine Cloud is not yet available, Apex HEL early alpha has begun. For details on our progress and upcoming milestones, visit our Roadmap page. This outlines each phase of development, including key updates like feature expansions.

Can I keep using HeroEngine without upgrading to Apex Engine?

Yes. If you have a standalone HeroEngine license, you can choose to remain on HeroEngine rather than move to Apex Engine. To do so, you would request a code stop, which freezes your HeroEngine environment at the version you want to keep using rather than continuing through future platform upgrades.

For HeroEngine environments hosted through TGS Tech, continued availability will depend on the number of active hosted users and the infrastructure required to support them. We expect to continue supporting HeroEngine where practical, while giving developers the choice of whether and when to move to Apex HEL or Apex Engine.

When did development begin on Apex Engine?

Apex Engine design began in March 2023, with prototype development initiated in July 2023. We've covered all aspects, from partnerships to funding, R&D on emerging tech, and platform creation—encompassing servers, networking, coding, rendering, and AI. This holistic approach ensures thorough development.

Can I access Apex Engine Cloud right now?

Apex Engine Cloud is currently in development, but you can sign up for our newsletter for information about our upcoming pilot programs for both Apex Engine Lite and Apex Engine Cloud to gain early access as features are rolled out.

How do I register for the Mailing List?

You can sign up for the Mailing List during registration or through the subscription form on our website. This ensures you receive the latest updates, tutorials, and invitations to early access programs. You can opt out anytime.

Will my existing HeroEngine HGM models work with Apex Engine?

Yes. Existing HeroEngine HGM models are intended to continue working as HeroEngine evolves toward Apex HEL and Apex Engine. Because the rendering system is being significantly upgraded, some models may benefit from additional material, texture, or visual adjustments to take full advantage of the newer rendering capabilities.

Will I be able to import my existing 3D models into Apex Engine?

Yes, Apex Engine supports common file formats like OBJ and FBX, and converts them into our proprietary Apex3D format for optimal performance and compatibility.

Will there be tutorials available to help me learn Apex Engine?
Absolutely! Our Knowledge Hub will offer step-by-step tutorials, video walk through, and user guides to help you master Apex Engine. Guides and tutorials will be provided early on by both our team and contributions from our community.
Will I be able to work offline with Apex Engine Lite or Apex Engine?

Apex Engine Lite is fully operational offline as it is a client side application, allowing you to develop your projects without an internet connection. Apex Engine is a cloud-based platform and does require online connectivity to work and a small client install.

Is coding experience required to use Apex Engine?

While some coding knowledge is helpful, Apex Engine includes visual scripting tools, AI Code Assist and intuitive interfaces, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced developers.


Apex Engine: Cross-Industry Applications

Can I use Apex Engine to build video games?

Yes, Apex Engine is ideal for developing a wide variety of video games, from single-player adventures to large-scale multiplayer online games. The real-time collaboration and robust tools make it perfect for creating immersive worlds, realistic physics, and engaging gameplay.

How can Apex Engine be used in education?

Apex Engine can be used to develop educational tools and simulations that offer interactive, hands-on learning experiences. Examples include virtual laboratories, historical reconstructions, and STEM-focused learning environments, providing an engaging way for students to explore and understand complex topics.

Is Apex Engine suitable for training and simulation applications?

Absolutely. Apex Engine’s real-time collaboration and physics simulation tools make it ideal for creating training programs and simulations for industries such as healthcare, aviation, and defense. Realistic environments and scenarios can be crafted for safe, controlled training experiences.

Can I create interactive architectural visualizations with Apex Engine?

Yes, Apex Engine is perfect for building architectural visualizations and virtual walkthroughs. Its ability to handle realistic lighting, detailed textures, and collaborative design tools make it easy to bring architectural concepts to life.

How can Apex Engine be used for interior design projects?

Apex Engine allows designers to create detailed, interactive 3D representations of interior spaces. Clients can explore these virtual spaces in real-time, making changes to layouts, materials, and furnishings collaboratively.

Can Apex Engine be used for digital twin applications?

Yes, Apex Engine supports the creation of digital twins—virtual replicas of physical assets or systems. This is valuable for industries such as smart cities, manufacturing, and energy, enabling real-time monitoring, analysis, and optimization.

How can Apex Engine support metaverse development?

Apex Engine is a strong choice for creating metaverse applications, including virtual worlds, social hubs, and immersive environments. Its real-time collaboration tools and scalability make it easy to build interconnected, dynamic digital spaces.

Is Apex Engine good for building social or casual games?

Yes, Apex Engine is well-suited for social and casual games, offering tools to create lightweight, engaging experiences. Developers can easily incorporate multiplayer features, social connectivity, and gamified elements to drive user interaction.

Can I use Apex Engine for social impact projects?

Apex Engine’s versatility extends to industries such as healthcare (for medical simulations), retail (for interactive showrooms), and entertainment (for virtual events and experiences). The platform’s robust features and real-time collaboration make it a valuable tool across various sectors.


Features and Functionality

What is the difference between Apex Engine Lite and Apex Engine Cloud?

Apex Engine Lite is a standalone desktop application for single users, ideal for local development and testing. Apex Engine Cloud offers a collaborative, cloud-based platform for real-time teamwork and advanced networking features.

How does real-time collaboration work in Apex Engine Cloud?

Real-time collaboration allows team members to simultaneously edit the same project. Changes are synchronized instantly, ensuring everyone is on the same page without conflicts.

What tools are available for terrain modification?

Apex Engine provides tools for both static and voxel terrain sculpting, painting, collision setup, pathfinding, and asset scaling, and GiS tools allowing for precise and intuitive environmental design.

Does Apex Engine include built-in physics simulation?

Yes, Apex Engine integrates Havok Physics, enabling realistic simulations for collisions, gravity, and dynamic object interactions.

Can I export projects from Apex Engine Lite to Apex Engine Cloud?

Yes. Apex Engine Lite is designed to let you export projects to Apex Engine Cloud, preserving all assets and most configurations for a near seamless transition.

What is Apex3D, and how does it work?

Apex3D is our proprietary format for managing 3D assets and animations. It ensures optimized performance, faster rendering, and compatibility with Apex Engine, together with the Apex Animation Editor and Viewer.

Does Apex Engine support multiplayer game development?

Yes, Apex Engine was designed to include built-in server and multiplayer as the core feature for Apex Engine. This includes robust tools for creating and testing multiplayer experiences, from simple matchmaking to complex digital twins. Our unique platform allows developers, testers, clients and even players to interact in real time on a massively multiplayer/user level.

Can I create or integrate third-party plugins or middleware?

Absolutely. Apex Engine is built for compatibility, with a flexible plugin system that lets you easily customize and integrate third-party APIs, SDKs, or connect directly to your website on the client side.

What platforms does Apex Engine support?

Apex Engine is currently being developed to be flexible and extend compatibility to Windows and macOS platforms. We are looking at the possibility of Linux support later on in the future.

Is there an AI-powered assistant in Apex Engine?

Yes, Apex AI Assist provides automated recommendations, scripting assistance, and workflow optimizations, helping you save time and reduce manual effort. As development progresses we will expand these capabilities from AI Code Assist to Terrain generation for GiS, and eventually to GenAI for assets.


Licensing and Pricing

Will Apex Engine Lite be free to use?

Apex Engine Lite will rquire a one time purchase early on, with no added costs for updates and upgrades, making it an excellent tool for early adopters.

How does pricing work for Apex Engine Cloud?

Apex Engine will provide both cloud-based subscription plans and standalone Professional and Enterprise editions. The cloud-based plans will be tailored to individual developers and small teams, offering flexible pricing based on access levels and features. Users will have the option to upgrade at any time with fair monthly or annual pricing.

Are there special discounts for educational institutions?

Yes, we will offer discounted plans for students, educators, and nonprofits. Contact our sales team for eligibility details.

Can I use Apex Engine Lite for commercial projects?

Yes, commercial use is permitted under specific licensing terms. Please refer to our licensing page for detailed information.

How will I upgrade from Lite to Cloud?

You can migrate projects seamlessly from Lite to Cloud by signing up for a Cloud subscription, linking your account, and select Migrate to Cloud. More details will come as we move from the Lite Pilot programme to the Cloud Pilot and Early Access.

Are there hidden fees in Apex Engine Cloud plans?

No, all pricing is transparent, and there are no hidden charges. Additional services are clearly outlined in the subscription plan. You will be able to upgrade or customize your own package based on what you need.

How is licensing handled for teams?

All subscriptions are team licenses are managed through the Team Admin Manager tool, which allows for streamlined access control and permissions for all members from developers, managers, testers and even clients.

What happens if my subscription lapses?

Your projects will remain accessible for a grace period, but collaboration and premium features will be disabled until the subscription is renewed.

Can I cancel my subscription anytime?

Yes, subscriptions can be canceled at any time through your account settings, with no penalties or hidden fees. Your project will remain on our systems for a period of time in case you want to re-subscribe.

If i need to cancel my subscription, can i get a backup of my project?

Absolutely, we will offer a feature that will allow you to create a backup and download that locally. This will allow you to resubscribe and upload your older project so you can regain most if not all of your work depending on how long you were away.

Will my backup be forward compatable if I come back?

We pride ourselves on makig sure that any changes and updates are backward compatable for a minimum of 12 months, just as we had with our legacy technology. We also will continue to put out change logs and how to update older files to ensure you can get your project back up and running with minimal issues.


Support and Troubleshooting

How do I report a bug or issue with Apex Engine?

Use the in-app bug reporting tool or submit a ticket via our support portal on the website for prompt assistance.

Where can I find tutorials and documentation?

Tutorials, user guides, and API documentation are available in the Knowledge Hub section of the website. AI Assist will also be available for help, tutorials and other support inside the platform.

What are the support options available for users?

We offer multiple support channels, including email support, live chat, and a dedicated community Discord for peer assistance.

How do I reset my account password?

Click "Forgot Password" on the login page or panel and follow the steps to reset your password securely.

How do I update Apex Engine Lite to the latest version?

Updates will be downloaded from the server and applied directly through the application's update manager.

Can I recover a corrupted project file?

If version control is enabled, you can restore a previous version of your project. Automatic backups are done on a monthly basis free of charge. You can contact support for advanced recovery options.

What should I do if the application crashes?

Restart the Apex Client application and check for updates. If the issue persists, submit a crash report via the support tool.

How do I join the Apex Engine community?

Join our Discord server and social media groups to connect with other developers and share insights.

Can I suggest new features for Apex Engine?

Yes, we encourage user suggestions through our feedback portal, helping us shape the future of Apex Engine. This is the core reasion and advantage to our Pilot and Early Access programmes.

How long does it take to receive support responses?

Our support team strives to respond to all emails, tickets and Discord questions within 24-48 hours for standard inquiries and faster for urgent issues.