SIGGRAPH 2007: Autodesk presents 3ds Max 2008

Archive notice: This article was originally published on August 8, 2007. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.

Autodesk 3ds Max 2008 is intended above all to handle extensive and complex 3D data sets better. To this end, thanks to new Viewport technology and optimization, the software is intended to offer improved performance with large and complex scenes that can consist of tens of thousands of objects. Artists can select thousands of objects and accelerate imports by a factor of up to 10. In addition, objects can moreover be transformed up to 60 times faster.

In the current version, the Scene Explorer provides the hierachical view of scene data and rapid analysis of scenes. Corresponding editing tools support work with complex, object-laden scenes. The likewise new Adaptive Degradation System improves the interactivityof the software by automatically simplifying scenes and thus achieving the user-defined frame rate.

The newly introduced interface allows artists a freer, less menu-dependent way of modeling. 3ds Max 2008 enables concept designers and artists to use a more streamlined workflow when modeling, so that they can concentrate better on the actual creative process.

The new Review toolset offers repetitive Rendering workflows with an interactive preview of shadows, the entire 3ds Max Sun/Sky spectrum as well as material settings for the architecture and design areas. The Mental Ray workflow was also revised. This includes, among other things, the new Mental Ray Sky Portal, which simplifies the lighting of interior scenes using exterior lighting and supports HDRI-based lighting effects.

In addition, the handling of complex workflows and pipelines was improved: The new integrated MAXScript ProEditor simplifies scripting for the automation and customization of 3ds Max.

Additionally, file import into 3ds Max is intended to proceed faster and more precisely. Features such as Select Similar are intended to facilitate working with imported data.

Autodesk plans to ship 3ds Max 2008 in English in October 2007. The software will cost around 4250 euros, the upgrade from 3ds Max 9 to 3ds Max 2008 around 900 euros.