Archive notice: This article was originally published on August 7, 2007. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Skymatter, the New Zealand developer of the Mudbox 3D modeling software, is being acquired by Autodesk. With this, Autodesk wants to expand its range of solutions for the film, television and video game industry and at the same time hopes for stronger market penetration in other design fields.
The Mudbox software makes it possible to shape organic, three-dimensional forms with brush-like tools. Mudbox is attractive to both traditional sculptors and digital artists, because the tools can be used quickly and easily for creative modeling as well as like for creating prototypes. The 3D data created with Mudbox can then be imported into the Autodesk products 3ds Max and Maya for Modeling, assembly, animation and Rendering.
“The entertainment and design markets expect more strongly integrated technology workflows as well as greater realism and even stronger refinement”, Marc Petit, Senior Vice President of the Autodesk Media & Entertainment business unit, says of the acquisition. “To design sophisticated digital figures and models, 3D artists rely on Skymatter’s Mudbox software in addition to Autodesk’s 3D solutions. Thanks to the acquisition of Skymatter, Autodesk will now be able to offer an even more seamless solution for film, television and video game production and new workflows for other design disciplines such as automotive and industrial design.”
Among companies in the field of visual effects and video game develpment, Weta Digital, Blur Studio, Epic Games and The Orphanage, among others, use the software for productions such as King Kong, The Giolden Compass or Inkheart
According to Autodesk, the acquisition is to be completed in the next two months.
Further links:
- Autodesk
