Free Game Development Software Offers Professional Toolset for Game Modding and Noncommercial Game Development

SAN FRANCISCO, Game Developers Conference, March 25, 2009-Autodesk, Inc., has announced Autodesk Softimage Mod Tool 7.5 software (formerly SOFTIMAGE_XSI Mod Tool). This free* 3D modeling and animation package for aspiring game artists is based on the same professional toolset as Autodesk Softimage (formerly SOFTIMAGE_XSI). Game studios have used Softimage software to create hit titles such as "Metal Gear Solid 4" and "Fable II."

"Softimage Mod Tool gives the next generation of game artists access to professional tools, so they can learn while making their own games or game mods," said Marc Stevens, Autodesk Media & Entertainment vice president, games. "Game developers can also use the software to extend the life of a game by building a community of modders. Game mods can go on to become commercial games in their own right, and they can be used by developers to identify talent for recruiting purposes."

New Features in Autodesk Softimage Mod Tool 7.5

• New learning materials: Softimage Mod Tool 7.5 comes with training materials from Noesis Interactive. These materials show users how to create a character and export it for use in Microsoft XNA Games Studio 3.0.
• New real-time shading API (application programming interface): Softimage Mod Tool 7.5 supports the Realtime Shader API version 3.0, which helps make real-time shader development simpler and more flexible. The new version offers an architecture focused on programmable shaders (GLSL, HLSL) and file-based effects (CgFX and DxFX). With these capabilities, what game developers see in Softimage Mod Tool is what they get in the game.
• Interactive Creative Environment (ICE): ICE is an open, scalable platform that enables artists to extend the capabilities of Softimage more quickly and intuitively using a node-based dataflow diagram. Artists can now quickly create complex 3D effects and tools without writing code.
• Support for Windows Vista operating system: Autodesk Softimage Mod Tool 7.5 now supports the Windows Vista Business operating system.

Create Compelling 3D Content for Microsoft XNA and Major Game Engines
Softimage Mod Tool 7.5 can export 3D models and animation for use with the Microsoft XNA Game Studio 3 framework. Fledgling or independent game developers now have access to a professional toolset for creating original games on the Microsoft Xbox console or Windows platform.

Users can also download add-ons for content export to Crytek CryENGINE 2, Epic Unreal Engine 3 and Valve Source game engines. With this professional 3D toolset modders can produce characters and props for their favorite game.

Commercial Version for Microsoft Xbox Live Community Games Available
Autodesk Softimage Mod Tool Pro 7.5 software is functionally identical to the Mod Tool, but has an End User License Agreement that allows users to produce assets for games sold via Microsoft's Xbox Live Community Games. Autodesk Softimage Mod Tool Pro 7.5 is available only with Microsoft's XNA Creator's Club Premium membership. For more information visit http://creators.xna.com.

Availability

Autodesk anticipates that Softimage Mod Tool 7.5 software will be available in April 2009. For more information, visit http://www.softimage.com/products/modtool.

*Free products are subject to the terms and conditions of the end-user license agreement that accompanies the software.

Autodesk Softimage and XSI are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

© 2009 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved