World’s leading interactive entertainment software company implements SOFTIMAGE|XSI Software for State-of-the-art Next-Gen Title from EA Chicago
Tewksbury , Mass-January 29, 2007 -Avid Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVID), today announced that its Softimage, Co. subsidiary is developing a 3D game development pipeline built on SOFTIMAGE®|XSI® software in close collaboration with Electronic Arts� (NASDAQ: ERTS) Chicago studio. XSI software is an industry-leading 3D modeling and character creation package. EA has the largest game development studio operation in the world, and employs a variety of engines, tools and technologies to best serve the needs of each of its game and development teams.
The demand for High Definition (HD) games for next-generation game consoles that play on today�s plasma and LCD widescreen monitors makes 3D game development a much more complex process. Softimage XSI software is built on a unique Gigapolygon core, which excels in managing the 64-bit, high-polygon-count 3D characters and environments needed in HD games. The Softimage XSI-powered workflow will enable game development professionals at EA Chicago to collaborate on complex projects and raise the bar in creating realistic game experiences to meet growing consumer expectations.
“EA Chicago is working with Softimage on this effort to explore new technologies to develop a new generation workflow model. Both companies are excited about the opportunity and expect this project to generate efficiencies in pipeline speed and iteration,” said Scott Cronce, vice president and chief technology officer, worldwide studios for EA.
Renowned for titles like the popular EA SPORTSâ„? Fight Night series and soon-to-be released Def Jam: ICONâ„?, EA Chicago plans to use SOFTIMAGE|XSI software to design high-end characters for an upcoming next-generation game title.
“EA is a world leader in the game industry, and we are very excited that they chose to add Softimage software to their arsenal of tools for next-gen game development. Our mutual goal is to create a workflow model that benefits the artist and weâ€?re pleased that EA Chicago is adopting cutting-edge solutions from Softimage to work with its internal technology,” said Marc Stevens, vice president and general manager for Softimage. “We look forward to seeing the amazing content and, ultimately, the games that EA Chicago creates utilizing this newly developed workflow.”
About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world�s leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for videogame systems, personal computers and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTS�, EA�, EA SPORTS BIG� and POGO�. In fiscal 2006, EA posted revenue of $2.95 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA�s homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA�s products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.
Electronic Arts, EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS BIG and POGO are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U. S. and/or other countries. Def Jam®, Def Jam Icon�, and all associated trademarks and logos are used under license from DJR Holdings, LLC and Simcoh, LLC. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
About Softimage Co.
Softimage Co., a subsidiary of Avid Technology, Inc. develops intuitive, production proven tools that free 3D artists to create the world�s most compelling characters in the film, broadcast, post-production and games industries. Its flagship product, SOFTIMAGE|XSI is the most complete and intuitive character animation solution available. Easily integrated into any CG production pipeline, XSI software enables 3D artists to create the most lifelike character performances. Softimage is proud to count amongst its game development customers: Electronic Arts, Lionhead Studios, Ubisoft, Capcom, Konami, NCsoft, Valve, Square, Bizarre Creations, Pandemic, Sega and Atari. SOFTIMAGE|FACE ROBOT is the first commercial toolset that accelerates facial animation that empowers 3D artists to create, refine and repurpose high-quality, lifelike facial animation in less time than traditional solutions. For more information about Softimage, please visit www.softimage.com.
About Avid Technology, Inc.
Avid Technology, Inc. is the world leader in digital nonlinear media creation, management, and distribution solutions, enabling film, video, audio, animation, games, and broadcast professionals to work more efficiently, productively, and creatively. For more information about the company�s Oscar ??, Grammy??, and Emmy?? award-winning products and services, please visit: www.avid.com.
© 2007 Avid Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Product features, specifications, system requirements, and availability are subject to change without notice. Avid received an Oscar statuette representing the 1998 Scientific and Technical Award for the concept, design, and engineering of the Avid Film Composer® system for motion picture editing. Digidesign, Avid�s audio division, received an Oscar statuette representing the 2003 Scientific and Technical Award for the design, development, and implementation of its Pro Tools® digital audio workstation. Avid, Digidesign, Film Composer, ProTools, SOFTIMAGE, GATOR, CAT, FACE ROBOT and XSI are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. Oscar is a trademark and service mark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Emmy is a registered trademark of ATAS/NATAS. Grammy is a trademark of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Inc.
Softimage Develops New 3D Game Pipeline with EA Chicago
Avid Technology, Inc. announced on 29 January �06 that its Softimage, Co. subsidiary is developing a 3D game development pipeline built on SOFTIMAGE®|XSI® software in close collaboration with Electronic Arts� Chicago studio.
XSI software is an industry-leading 3D modeling and character creation package. EA has the largest game development studio operation in the world, and employs a variety of engines, tools and technologies to best serve the needs of each of its game and development teams.
Softimage XSI software is built on a Gigapolygon core, which excels in managing the 64-bit, high-polygon-count 3D characters and environments needed in HD games.
“EA Chicago is working with Softimage on this effort to explore new technologies to develop a new generation workflow model. Both companies are excited about the opportunity and expect this project to generate efficiencies in pipeline speed and iteration,” said Scott Cronce, VP and CTO, worldwide studios for EA.
Renowned for titles like the popular EA SPORTSâ„? Fight Night series and soon-to-be released Def Jam: ICONâ„?, EA Chicago plans to use SOFTIMAGE|XSI software to design high-end characters for an upcoming next-generation game title.
“EA is a world leader in the game industry, and we are very excited that they chose to add Softimage software to their arsenal of tools for next-gen game development. Our mutual goal is to create a workflow model that benefits the artist and weâ€?re pleased that EA Chicago is adopting cutting-edge solutions from Softimage to work with its internal technology,” said Marc Stevens, Vice President and General Manager for Softimage. “We look forward to seeing the amazing content and, ultimately, the games that EA Chicago creates utilizing this newly developed workflow” he concluded.