Discreet to Provide Open Access to Key 3D Studio MAX Technology for Next Generation PlayStation Developers

SAN FRANCISCO,  -- As part of its continued efforts to help game developers reduce development time for new titles, Discreet, a division of Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK), announced its Middleware relationship with Sony Computer Entertainment. As a Middleware partner, Discreet will provide Next Generation PlayStation developers with open access to key character animation technology found in Discreet's recently announced 3D Studio MAX R3 product. Open access to core character animation source code and algorithms in 3D Studio MAX R3 software gives game developers the freedom to integrate leading-edge character animation effects typically seen in broadcast and film directly into their Next Generation PlayStation game engines -- at no additional fee.

"By working closely with Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. to understand the capabilities of the Next Generation PlayStation, Discreet is delivering on its promise to provide game developers with the most-advanced game-authoring environment available," said Jim Guerard, vice president of marketing and product management at Discreet. "The Next Generation PlayStation is an exciting showcase for 3D Studio MAX R3 software's new surface modeling, skin deformation and soft-body dynamics algorithms. We believe that open access to these character animation technologies is a requirement for leading-edge game developers who want to provide seamless integration between their game authoring and runtime environments."

Discreet recently articulated its strategy for the growing game industry and demonstrated 3D Studio MAX R3 software's character animation technology both as an artist's tool and running in a commercially available game engine. The demonstration used source code components that will be available with 3D Studio MAX and from the Autodesk Developer Network (ADN) -- Discreet's Developer Support Network for game programmers (www.ktx.com/developer)

"Discreet will promote rapid development of tools specifically designed to let game developers fully leverage the strengths of the Next Generation PlayStation," said Shinichi Okamoto, senior vice president of the Research and Development Division, Sony Computer Entertainment. "Due to its open architecture and developer support network, 3D Studio MAX represents a powerful catalyst for innovation on the Next Generation PlayStation. Discreet software will create even more ways for game developers to unleash the power of the Next Generation PlayStation."

Discreet's 3D Studio MAX product is a production-proven solution used by professional game developers around the world to create top-selling PlayStation games like Tomb Raider I, II, and III, Madden NFL, Jet Moto III, Ray Man, and Metal Gear Solid. The recently announced 3D Studio MAX R3 software delivers new levels of creative power to game character artists through a host of modeling and animation enhancements that focus on next-generation real-time surface rendering methods. In addition, 3D Studio MAX R3 software's extensive user-interface customization options, MaxScript "scriptable" plug-ins, and external asset references offer game level builders tremendous flexibility in creating an authoring environment that meshes with their game engine.

About Discreet

Discreet, a division of Autodesk, Inc., develops systems and software for visual effects, 3D animation, editing and production used in the creation of digital moving pictures for video, HDTV, the Web, broadcast graphics, interactive games and feature films, including the last three years' winners of the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. Discreet products are used extensively in film and video postproduction, games and multimedia, broadcasters' graphics, programming and on-air event coverage. Software by Discreet is also popular with designers and architects for 3D visualization and conceptualization. Discreet was recently recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences with a Scientific and Engineering Award for flame* and inferno*.

Headquartered in Montreal, the Discreet division of Autodesk was established in 1999 when Autodesk acquired Discreet Logic and merged its operations with Kinetix(TM), the San Francisco-based multimedia business unit that Autodesk created in 1996.

About Autodesk

Autodesk is the world's leading supplier of PC design software and digital content creation tools. One of the largest software companies in the world, Autodesk has more than four million customers in over 150 countries. For more information, contact any Authorized Autodesk Reseller, call Autodesk at 800-964-6432, or visit www.autodesk.com. Discreet product information is available at 800-869-3504 or via the Web at www.discreet.com. Autodesk shares are traded on the Nasdaq national market under the symbol ADSK.

NOTE: Autodesk, the Autodesk logo, 3D Studio MAX and Kinetix are registered trademarks, and Discreet is a trademark, of Autodesk, Inc., in the United States and/or other countries. Discreet is a division of Autodesk, Inc. flame* and inferno* are registered trademarks of Discreet Logic, Inc. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

SOURCE Autodesk, Inc.