Softimage Introduces Middleware Solutions for Game Developers; SOFTIMAGE/RTK Motion - First in Series - Debuts at Game Developers Conference in San Jose, CA.Business/Technology Editors Softimage Booth No. 1143 MONTREAL & QUEBEC--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 22, 2001 Softimage Co., a subsidiary of Avid Technology "Avid" redirects here. For the "Advancement Via Individual Determination" educational program, see AVID. Avid Technology, Inc NASDAQ: AVID is an American company specializing in video and audio production technology; specifically, digital non-linear media editing (NLE) , Inc. (NASDAQ NASDAQ in full National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations U.S. market for over-the-counter securities. Established in 1971 by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), NASDAQ is an automated quotation system that reports on :AVID), today announced SOFTIMAGE(R)|RTK--a series of runtime tool kits (RTKs) that provide game developers with middleware solutions which address the needs of increasingly more complex game development. SOFTIMAGE|RTK RTK Right To Know RTK Romance of the Three Kingdoms (novel/game) RTK Real-Time Kinematic RTK Receptor Tyrosine Kinase RTK Real-Time Kernel RTK Reclaim the Kop (fan club) Motion(TM), the first module in the series, provides the essential components for building a powerful runtime character animation Character animation is a specialized process of the animation process, concerning the animation of one or more characters featured in an animated work. It is usually as one aspect of a larger production, and often to complement voice acting. system for any game engine or pipeline. "Game developers are fighting an uphill battle Uphill Battle was an metalcore band with elements of grindcore and noisecore. The group was based out of Santa Barbara, California, USA. History Uphill Battle got some recognition releasing their self-titled record on Relapse Records. in trying to control escalating costs and longer development cycles, while still creating compelling game experiences that fully exploit the capabilities of next-generation platforms," said David Zhu, vice president of business development at Softimage. "SOFTIMAGE|RTK is designed to provide game developers with a cost-effective alternative to having to create their game engines from scratch. It allows them to focus more of their effort on content creation and developing differentiating features, and spend less time on reinventing the wheel in engine development." Intelligent Solutions for Every Stage of the Game Development Pipeline Built on the award-winning Intelligent Digital Actor Technology from the Motion Factory(1), the SOFTIMAGE|RTK Motion module consists of a suite of powerful real-time motion-synthesis libraries. The SOFTIMAGE|RTK Motion module provides powerful character animation controls such as real-time Inverse Kinematics In 3D animation, a technique that provides automatic movement of objects. It allows elements of an object to be linked, such as the parts of an arm or leg, and causes them to move in a prescribed, realistic manner. (IK), animation transitions and multiple animation mixing--resulting in significantly more realistic character animation during game play. In addition, the SOFTIMAGE|RTK Motion module delivers sophisticated environment processing and intelligent motion planning Motion planning is a term used in robotics for the process of detailing a task into atomic robotic motions. This issue, also known as the "navigation problem", though simple for humans, is one of the most challenging in computer science and robotics. via accurate collision checking, real-time obstacle avoidance In robotics, obstacle avoidance is the task of satisfying some control objective subject to non-intersection or non-collision position constraints. Normally obstacle avoidance is considered to be distinct from path planning in that one is usually implemented as a reactive control and motion warping, thereby enabling richer interaction between a character and its environment. At its core, the SOFTIMAGE|RTK Motion module is built upon an extremely flexible, open and scalable framework that is optimized for seamless integration An addition of a new application, routine or device that works smoothly with the existing system. It implies that the new feature or program can be installed and used without problems. Contrast with "transparent," which implies that there is no discernible change after installation. into any existing game engine and game production pipeline. In addition to being allied with the full range of Softimage game development tools such as SOFTIMAGE|XSI XSI - X/Open System Interface (TM) and SOFTIMAGE|3D, the RTK Motion module provides extensive support for industry-standard platforms, scripting languages and other third-party content and middleware offerings. About SOFTIMAGE|RTK The SOFTIMAGE|RTK product family is a new set of runtime tool kits from Softimage and an integral part of the global Softimage game strategy. These components provide game developers with middleware solutions that can be used as scaleable "building blocks" for any game engine. Each SOFTIMAGE|RTK module consists of a set of runtime libraries, augmented by complementary tools and utility programs. Fully modular and cross-platform, the RTK product line can be easily integrated into existing game engines for maximum pipeline flexibility. Pricing and Availability SOFTIMAGE|RTK Motion is currently in the final stages of beta testing (programming) beta testing - Testing a pre-release (potentially unreliable) version of a piece of software by making it available to selected users. This term derives from early 1960s terminology for product cycle checkpoints, first used at IBM but later standard throughout the and is scheduled to be available in May 2001. Pricing and licensing information may be obtained from Softimage by directing e-mail to middleware-info@softimage.com. Additional SOFTIMAGE|RTK components, such as SOFTIMAGE|RTK Behavior(TM)--an integrated development system for creating, editing and debugging complex game logic on multiple platforms Refers to two or more operating environments, which typically include the CPU family and operating system. For example, if versions of a program run on Windows and the Macintosh, the software is said to support multiple platforms. --are expected to be available in the second half of 2001. About Avid Technology, Inc. Avid Technology, Inc., of which Softimage Co. is a subsidiary, delivers the solutions that Make, Manage and Move Media(TM). As a recognized digital standard for professionals who Make the world's media -- from video, audio and film to animation, special effects special effects, in motion pictures, cinematographic techniques that create illusions in the audience's minds as well as the illusions created using these techniques. and streaming media See streaming audio, streaming video and digital media hub. -- Avid's products are used to make more television and news shows, commercials, music videos and CDs, corporate/industrial productions and major motion pictures combined than any other nonlinear editing manufacturer in the world. Now, building on its Oscar(R) and Emmy(R) award-winning heritage in creating content, Avid is extending its reach by redefining how digital media is shared, stored and distributed. To Manage today's increasingly rich collection of dynamic media, Avid provides powerful servers, networks and media tools to help customers search files, share media and collaborate on new productions, both locally and globally. Avid's solutions also empower users to easily Move media, whether on air, over cable or satellite or through the Internet. Like no other media company today, Avid's end-to-end solutions span the continuum of media creation, management and distribution. The company's corporate headquarters are located in Tewksbury, MA. More information about the company is available at www.avid.com and www.softimage.com. (c)2001 Avid Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Product specifications are subject to change without notice. All prices are USMSRP for U.S. and Canada only and are subject to change without notice. Contact your local Avid office or reseller for prices outside the U.S. and Canada. Avid and Softimage are registered trademarks and XSI, RTK Motion, RTK Behavior and Make, Manage and Move Media are trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. Oscar is a trademark and service mark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Emmy is a registered trademark of ATAS/NATAS. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. (1) Avid Technology, Inc. acquired The Motion Factory, Inc. in June 2000. |
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