Autodesk Softimage

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Autodesk Softimage
Basic data

developer Autodesk
Publishing year 1986
Current  version 2014
(April 14, 2014)
operating system Windows and Linux (formerly: IRIX )
category 3D modeling program
License proprietary
German speaking Yes
www.softimage.com

Autodesk Softimage (formerly Softimage | XSI ) is a 3D computer graphics and animation program for modeling , texturing , animating , simulating, and rendering 3D objects. It is mainly used in film, television and post-production as well as in game development.

history

1993 Softimage became known as ensure that virtual dinosaurs in Steven Spielberg's " Jurassic Park " were created. After the introduction of a new software architecture in 2000, the product was sold under the Softimage | XSI brand, previously under Softimage | 3D.

In October 2008, Autodesk's Softimage product line was acquired by Avid for $ 35 million . Since then, the product name has been Autodesk Softimage. In March 2014, Autodesk announced that the version to be released in April 2014 would be the last.

operation area

Autodesk Softimage focuses on completeness in the 3D production chain, whereby it unfolds its strengths in the area of ​​animation of figures (character animation). Autodesk Softimage is available in different editions. It ranges from ambitious amateurs and freelance graphic designers to large production studios.

properties

Due to the history of its origins, Autodesk Softimage is specially tailored to professional needs. Many of his concepts require intensive training. In return, the user has extensive freedom in choosing his means. Almost every parameter in Autodesk Softimage can be animated and subjected to mathematical methods. This favors mathematically and scientifically trained or interested artists when using the program. However, the diversity and practicality of the tools included also strives for visually-artistically oriented users and enables them to achieve appealing results. Autodesk Softimage supports script-controlled commands for processing complex tasks in 3D modeling and animation.

Autodesk offers different versions of Autodesk Softimage.

  • Autodesk Softimage
  • Autodesk Softimage Advanced
  • (Softimage | XSI Foundation)
Up until 2008 there was a cheap entry-level version called Softimage | XSI Foundation. This contained all the important functions and was fully usable commercially. Softimage | XSI Foundation was discontinued with the announcement of version 7.
  • Softimage | XSI Mod Tool
With the free Softimage | XSI-Mod-Tool, Softimage offers all game developers a tool to create their own 3D graphics. Through the cooperation with Microsoft and Valve there is a direct connection to Microsoft XNA Game Studio Express and Valve's Half-Life 2 . The mod tool offers the basic XSI functions, but has some limitations compared to the full price versions.

Autodesk Softimage uses Mental Ray as the default rendering engine. However, additional renderers such as 3Delight, LuxRender or Indigo can be used with plug-ins.

Studios

The following studios use Autodesk Softimage, among others:

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ autodesk.com Softimage final release announcement
  2. ↑ 3Delight ( Memento of the original from October 1, 2013 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. Official website  @1@ 2Template: Webachiv / IABot / www.3delight.com
  3. ↑ LuxRender Official Website
  4. ↑ Indigo Official Website

literature

  • Boaz Livny: mental ray for Maya, 3ds max, and XSI . Wiley, New York 2007, ISBN 0-470-00854-7 (English).
  • Steve Kahwati: The Official Guide to Advanced Character Modeling in SOFTIMAGE's XSI . Course Technology PTR, ISBN 1-59863-356-2 (English).
  • Anthony Rossano: SOFTIMAGE XSI 5: The Official Guide (Revealed) . Course Technology PTR, ISBN 1-59200-581-0 (English).

Web links