Archive notice: This article was originally published on February 20, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Kynapse has been used in the development of more than 65 hit AAA games, including Alone in the Dark 5, Crackdown, Fable 2 and The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar. Kynapse gives characters spatial awareness so that they can move through digital environments in a realistic manner.
‘The future of video games lies in sophisticated gameplay with lifelike characters and environments,’ says Marc Petit, Senior Vice President, Autodesk Media & Entertainment. ‘Our goal is to simplify video game development by providing state-of-the-art tools for creating and animating three-dimensional content and integrating it into game engines. The acquisition of Kynogon is a central component in achieving this goal.’
Petit continues: ‘Video game technology is the development forge for real-time simulations and advanced computer applications. In addition to game development, Kynogon’s products are used in defence and security simulations, for example in mission planning and military operations in urban environments.’
Autodesk expects the acquisition to be completed within the next three months. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions. Autodesk will announce further details of the acquisition after the transaction has been completed. Additional information can be found at http://www.autodesk.com/kynogon.
Business outlook
This transaction is expected to reduce targeted GAAP-reported earnings for fiscal 2009 by 0.01–0.02 dollars per diluted share. Excluding ongoing research and development expenses and amortisation of acquisition-related intangible assets, this transaction is expected to have no impact on targeted non-GAAP-reported earnings per diluted share in 2009.
‘Safe Harbor’ notice
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including statements relating to the effects of the acquisition on Autodesk’s earnings per share, product offerings and business results. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include: difficulties integrating acquired companies, whether certain market segments will grow as expected, competitive conditions in the software industry and competitors’ reactions to the acquisition, and whether the company is able to develop new products or modify existing products so that they are accepted in the market.
Further information about potential factors that could affect Autodesk’s financial results is set out in the annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2007 and the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the three-month period ended October 31, 2007, which were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
