On Thursday, May 17, 2001, Discreet announced licensing deals with both Microsoft and Microids to include gmax consumer customization tools in each game developers upcoming game titles. This integration of gmax, a product derived from the same code base as the industry-leading 3ds max, means developers can offer customers a flexible, customizable environment within the game where they can create, modify and trade content with fellow players. Players will now have the means to extend their game playing experience and directly stylize levels, actions, characters and objects in popular simulation, sports and first-person shooter titles without having to purchase additional software, or possess any prior expertise in 3D modeling. Microsoft has agreed to create, publish and distribute gmax for their upcoming simulation series product releases, including Flight Simulator 2002 Professional Edition. Microids, based in Vélizy, France, agreed to ship a gmax game pack for the upcoming 2002 edition of its tennis-themed PC game title. According to Paul Lypaczewski, general manager of Discreet and executive vice president, Autodesk, Inc., The positive response we have received toward gmax from both game developers and publishers is a testament to the fact that Discreet products not only benefit game developers during production, they also extend editing options to the end consumer. With the alliances we are creating in the publishing arena, Discreet is very well-positioned to extend its lead in providing the interactive entertainment industry with world-class production tools.
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
