ikou

Ikou is a collection of tools and programming languages for game development. The software suite was originally created in 1997 by Mike Dills and his company Ovm Media. It allowed developers to create games with unique capabilities, such as integrating physics simulations and interactive 3D environments.

Ikou's primary language was called "EvoScript," a visually-oriented programming language that used graphical components rather than text-based syntax. Some game developers appreciated this approach, as it made coding more accessible. However, its graphical nature and limited compile-time checks led to criticisms about its performance and debugging capabilities.

The tool suite included various features such as an integrated 3D engine, scene management system, and support for various APIs like OpenGL and Direct3D. Ikou also allowed users to import external assets, including 3D models and sound effects. Despite its early popularity, Ikou faced stiff competition from other game development platforms and engines.

Over the years, a small but dedicated community maintained and updated the software. In 2010, several former Ovm Media employees released an open-source version of Ikou's core engine. Although the project's official site has been inactive since 2002, some online resources and community forums continue to provide support and resources for game developers who still use Ikou. Despite its relatively modest presence in the game development scene, Ikou contributed to the evolution of 3D game development in the late 1990s and early 2000s.