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 Softimage Debuts XSI "Mod" Tool Posted by: amigo
Source: Press Release
Date: Wed Dec 22 2004
December 22, 2004 - Avid Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVID) today announced the SOFTIMAGE�|XSI� Mod Tool � a free version of its award-winning 3D animation software designed for gamers who are interested in modifying the content of popular video games. As part of the company's 3-Democracy plan � to make the most advanced 3D content creation software accessible to all levels of CG professionals � the SOFTIMAGE|XSI Mod Tool is available immediately from the Softimage website (www.softimage.com), and enables users to generate material for Half-Life 2, the recently released action video game by Valve. Gamers and enthusiasts known as �modders� � who routinely change the way video games are played � can now use the SOFTIMAGE|XSI Mod Tool with Valve�s Source Software Development Kit (SDK) to create props, characters, environment models and output their content directly into Half-Life 2 and other Valve Source� engine-powered titles. Through the use of additional plug-ins, the Mod Tool can also be used with other leading interactive game titles, extending playability of existing and upcoming games.
�Since we started working with Valve several years ago, it has always been a priority to ensure that fans would be able to easily customize their Half-Life 2 experience,� said Gareth Morgan, senior product manager for Softimage. �There are thousands of passionate gaming enthusiasts out there who are deeply immersed in video game art, and many see themselves as the creators of tomorrow. Continuing our 3-Democracy vision of 3D everywhere, we developed the XSI Mod Tool specifically for this mod community, giving them easy access to professional-level 3D character animation software and enabling them to alter the content and extend the life of their favorite games. Alongside Valve�s pioneering investment in the mod community, we are really excited to be able to offer support for all of Valve�s Source titles � and we look forward to working with other game developers in the future.�
Building on the SOFTIMAGE|XSI EXP for Half-Life 2, which was released at the 2004 Game Developer�s Conference and has been downloaded by over 100,000 users, the SOFTIMAGE|XSI Mod Tool is based on the same professional architecture as SOFTIMAGE|XSI software. The SOFTIMAGE|XSI Mod Tool includes multiple toolsets for creating, texturing and animating props and characters, designing and previewing real-time effects, and outputting the results. It also includes the next-generation normal mapping features found in SOFTIMAGE|XSI 4.2.
�For many of our fans, modding is a key element of the Half-Life 2 experience,� said Gabe Newell, founder and managing director for Valve. �Since introducing popular games like Day of Defeat and Counterstrike, we have seen incredible projects sprout from within the gaming community. I am thrilled that modders now have access to a free, professional-level tool based on the same software our own developers and artists use to develop our award-winning games. I can�t wait to see � and play � what the community comes up with.�
About Softimage Co.
Softimage Co., a subsidiary of Avid Technology, Inc., is an industry leader in 3-D animation, 2-D cel animation, compositing and special effects software, designed to address the demands of the film and commercial/broadcast and games/interactive industries. SOFTIMAGE|XSI software, an integral player in Avid's Make, Manage and Move Media� strategy, is the flagship product offering from Softimage. It is the industry's first 3-D nonlinear production environment providing animators and digital artists the freedom to make professional animation, visual effects and games - from major motion pictures, to cartoons and commercials, to animated content for video games and Web sites. Softimage is proud to count amongst its customers: Ubisoft, Capcom, Konami, SONY , Valve, Pandemic, Taito, Sega and Atari. The Softimage product family is designed to help users innovate, create and collaborate throughout the production process. For more information about Softimage visit www.softimage.com.
About Avid Technology, Inc.
Avid Technology, Inc. is the world leader in digital nonlinear media creation, management, and distribution solutions, enabling film, video, audio, animation, games, and broadcast professionals to work more efficiently, productively, and creatively. For more information about the company�s award-winning products and services, please visit: www.avid.com.
Related Links: Softimage website
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