The new version of KNI 3.9.9001 brings performance improvements, bug fixes, and implements missing features from the XNA. A more detailed list of the changes is available on the changelog.
Download KNI v3.9 today.
Architecture
The most significant change in this version has to do with the library structure. All basic math types have been moved from MonoGame.dll to Xna.Framework.dll and the Vector converters to Xna.Framework.Design.dll. The latter is needed only for game editor and you can ignore it on a typical game project. MonoGame.dll still contain the majority of namespaces like .Graphics, Audio, Input, etc.
The core of the Content.Pipeline types can be found in Xna.Framework.Content.Pipeline.dll, while the Importers, Processors and Content items have been moved to their own libraries. MonoGameContent.Pipeline.dll has been removed.
The effort will continue to remove preprocessor directives and partial classes from the code and to split all major namespaces into their own modules. The benefits from this is a clean structured codebase, eliminating the need to use bait-and-switch trickery, seamless support for nuget packages, signed 3rd party libraries, and easier adoption of new platforms.
It is necessary to update your projects and libraries with the new targets. Add a reference to Xna.Framewrok.dll and use the Ref platform as the bait and switch target for MonoGame.Framework.dll.
Video
After being in the backlog for years, it’s finally here. This version of KNI brings a functional implementation of VideoPlayer to WindowsDX, UAP and Android platforms.
FontDescriptionProcessor
The Font importer is constantly improved over the last versions. Starting with a bug in Spacing element in the FontDescription, you can see bellow how the font is rendered after the fix.
Another old issue is the font baseline. Any font family will be rendered with correct spacing on top and bellow the font.
FontDescriptionProcessor has a new property that let you chose the hinting algorithm.
This property is specific to SharpFont.
Pipeline Content Editor
The font size of the Content editor GUI has been increased for improved readability.
Performance
The performance of Font and Texture processor has been improved. Building content during development can be distracting, especially in a big project.
Loading times are also important, not only during development but also to your target audience.
Fast content loading is essential on mobile marketplaces that have strict requirements on apps.
Rendering performance can give you not only smother animations, but also more headroom for your update logic and physics.
The performance tests can be found in the KniBenchmarks project on github.
Framework versions: KNI 3.9.9001, MonoGame 3.8.1.303, FNA 23.07, XNA 4.0
All tests were performed on the following system:
CPU: AMD Ryzen 3 2200U
GPU: AMD Randeon Vega 3 Mobile Gfx
HDD: WD Blue SN550 NVMe SSD
Sponsors
While KNI is free and open-source, maintaining and expanding the framework requires ongoing effort and resources. We rely on the support of our community to continue delivering top-notch updates, features, and support.
By becoming a Sponsor, you can directly contribute to the growth and sustainability of the KNI Game Framework.