Softimage Develops New 3D Game Pipeline with EA Chicago
Softimage Co. is developing a 3D game development pipeline built on SOFTIMAGE|XSI software in close collaboration with Electronic Arts' Chicago studio. 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 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. 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," said Scott Cronce, vp and cto, worldwide studios for EA. "Both companies are excited about the opportunity and expect this project to generate efficiencies in pipeline speed and iteration."
Renowned for titles such as the popular EA SPORTS FIGHT NIGHT series and soon-to-be released DEF JAM: ICON, 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," said Marc Stevens, vp and general manager for Softimage. Our mutual goal is to create a workflow model that benefits the artist and we're pleased that EA Chicago is adopting cutting-edge solutions from Softimage to work with its internal technology. We look forward to seeing the amazing content and, ultimately, the games that EA Chicago creates utilizing this newly developed workflow."
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA, www.ea.com), 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.
Softimage Co. (www.softimage.com), a subsidiary of Avid Technology Inc., develops intuitive, production proven tools that enable 3D artists to create some of the world's most compelling characters in the film, broadcast, post-production and games industries. Its flagship product, SOFTIMAGE|XSI is a complete and intuitive character animation solution. Softimage has the following 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.
Avid Technology Inc. (www.avid.com) is a 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.