Archive notice: This article was originally published on October 24, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) and Avid Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVID) have signed an agreement under which Autodesk will acquire substantially all assets of Avid’s Softimage business for approximately US$35 million.
Softimage was founded in 1986 by Daniel Langlois and is headquartered in Montreal, Canada. It develops 3D technology for the film, television, and games markets. Its flagship product is SOFTIMAGE|XSI, an extensible 3D-animation software solution used by leading media and entertainment companies including Digital Domain, Ubisoft, SEGA Corporation, CAPCOM, Animal Logic, and The Mill. Autodesk Media & Entertainment supplies animation, visual-effects, editing/finishing, and color-grading solutions for the 3D market, including the entertainment and design industries.
“Softimage has been developing state-of-the-art 3D technologies for more than 20 years, and the company’s products are regarded as among the best in the entertainment industry,” said Marc Petit, Senior Vice President at Autodesk Media & Entertainment. “When this acquisition closes, we will add Softimage technology and products to our portfolio and welcome one of the industry’s most talented teams to Autodesk Media & Entertainment. Both will help us accelerate the work of our Games Technology Group and create next-generation interactive real-time 3D authoring tools for games, film, and television.”
Gary Greenfield, CEO and President of Avid Technology, added: “We are excited about the new opportunities the acquisition will create for Softimage customers. Softimage’s 3D product line has grown strongly in the video-game market, an industry in which Autodesk has a successful track record. Autodesk is an excellent home for Softimage.”
Integration of Softimage products
After completion of the acquisition, Autodesk intends to continue developing and selling Softimage’s core product line. At the same time, selected Softimage technology components are to be integrated into future versions of Autodesk products and solutions. Autodesk intends to acquire and continue developing the following Softimage products:
· SOFTIMAGE|XSI: Including XSI Essentials, XSI Advanced, XSI Academic, XSI Mod Tool, and the XSI Software Development Kit. XSI is production-proven 3D-animation software for games, film, and television. It provides complete 3D modeling, animation, and rendering, as well as a development environment for visual effects and custom tools.
· SOFTIMAGE|Face Robot: A complete software solution for straightforward rigging and animation of 3D faces. Face Robot enables studios to create lifelike facial animation at exceptional speed.
· SOFTIMAGE|Cat: This advanced character-animation system is a plug-in for Autodesk 3ds Max and is intended for integration into the 3ds Max product line.
· SOFTIMAGE|Crosswalk: This interoperability solution is intended for integration into Autodesk’s own interoperability technology.
Petit explained: “As we have demonstrated since acquiring Alias in 2006, we are committed to offering customers the best possible choice of 3D tools. We intend to retain and expand the Softimage product line and provide better interoperability between Softimage products, 3ds Max, and Autodesk Maya through Autodesk FBX. FBX will also provide interoperability between Softimage products and our specialized applications such as Autodesk Mudbox, Autodesk MotionBuilder, Autodesk ImageModeler, and Autodesk Stitcher, as well as numerous third-party applications.”
Petit continued: “At Autodesk, we care deeply about 3D technology, and we know users invest considerable time and energy in fully mastering their preferred 3D product. I want to tell all 3D artists that we understand your passion for the creative tools you use every day, and with Autodesk you will have freedom of choice.”
Further information is available at http://www.autodesk.com/softimage.
