By Katie Makal, September 13, 2003
Discreet announced at SIGGRAPH the newest version of 3D modeling, animation and rendering solution 3ds max 6. Discreet delivered this announcement before the 3D and 2D graphics professionals attending SIGGRAPH 2003 in San Diego. This software release offers customer-driven capabilities to enable the professional 3D artist, developer and designer to evolve to a higher level of quality, sophistication and productivity in the creation of games, motion picture visual effects and intricate visualizations for building design, industrial and government simulation.
New and augmented features in 3ds max 6 software were integrated directly from requests by leading film effects, design visualization and game development customers, including SEGA Corporation Japan. Discreet expects designers and animators across all professional design industries to enjoy the depth and breadth of the new 3ds max 6 features to create their 3D designs with more creative tools and speed.
"SEGA is pleased to have been a guiding force in the development process for Discreet 3ds max 6, including providing direction on the new schematic view feature," said SEGA Corp. officer Toshihiro Nagoshi. "This close connection between SEGA and Discreet encourages us to continue using Discreet's 3ds max as a part of our game development pipeline. SEGA appreciates this strong relationship with Discreet and will continue supporting 3ds max as a user and a part of the development teams."
New features in 3ds max 6 will include:
- Advanced schematic view for easier viewing and better management of complex scenes
- Integrated mental ray rendering software
- Vertex color painting
- Design visualization tools and interchange support with Autodesk and other
computer-aided design (CAD) and CAD-related solutions
- Integrated reactor 2 with stuntman and vehicle dynamics
- Distributed network texture baking
- Features that provide greater accessibility to the software for power users
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Particle flow system for creating realistic fountains, fog, snow, splashes, contrails, explosions and other environmental effects
Discreet 3ds max is used by 80 percent of game developers, producing titles including "Grand Theft Auto," "Tom Clancey's Splinter Cell," "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic" and "Neverwinter Nights." 3ds max software was used in films including "X-Men II," "Bulletproof Monk," "The Core," "Final Destination II" and "Jason vs. Freddy." Used by architects and product designers, 3ds max is a specialty design visualization tool of choice, with the distinction of being the first 3D design software to be used
by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation at Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona. When snowboard enthusiasts hit the slopes this winter, they will see radical Anime-style 3D design appliqués on the "Punch" and "Chopper" line of Burton Snowboards that were designed and rendered in Discreet 3ds max.
"3ds max is a powerhouse that keeps pushing the boundaries of our industry," said Discreet general manager/Autodesk executive vice president Paul Lypaczewski. "3ds max 6 contains innovative features for all segments of the design and animation industry that will give our broad customer base the most productive and customizable workflow to realize their creative vision in whatever way their unique 3D projects demand."
Pricing and Availability
3ds max 6 software is expected to be available in fall 2003 for $3,495. Localized international versions will be available later in 2003. Upgrade pricing is $795 from 3ds max 5 and $1,295 from the 3ds max 4 release.
Customers are encouraged to join the Discreet Subscription Program, which allows access to new software feature extensions, patches, upgrades and e-learning content for an annual fee.
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