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
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
o 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
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
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
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
o 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
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
