Softimage|3D
Softimage|3D was a pioneering 3D computer graphics and animation software package developed by Softimage, which was initially a division of Microsoft before becoming an independent company. Here is detailed information about this software:
History
- Foundation: Softimage was founded in 1986 by Daniel Langlois in Montreal, Canada. The company focused on creating software tools for 3D animation, initially targeting the entertainment industry.
- First Release: Softimage|3D was first released in 1990. It was one of the first 3D modeling and animation programs available on the market, known for its innovative approach to 3D creation.
- Acquisition by Microsoft: In 1994, Microsoft acquired Softimage to enhance its multimedia capabilities, renaming it Softimage Inc..
- Autodesk Acquisition: In 2008, Autodesk acquired Softimage from Avid Technology, which had previously acquired the company from Microsoft in 1998.
Key Features
- Modeling: The software was renowned for its NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines) modeling capabilities, which allowed for the creation of complex, organic shapes.
- Animation: Softimage|3D introduced several animation tools, including keyframing, procedural animation, and inverse kinematics (IK), which were innovative at the time.
- Rendering: It supported various renderers, including its own Mental Ray renderer, which was later integrated into other software like Maya.
- Scripting: Softimage|3D had a robust scripting system with its own scripting language, known as SCRIPT, which later evolved into the C++ based SDK.
Legacy and Influence
- Industry Impact: Softimage|3D was instrumental in the development of visual effects and animation, used in films like "Jurassic Park" for creating realistic digital dinosaurs.
- Transition to XSI: In 2000, Softimage released Softimage XSI (XSI standing for Experience in Software Interactive), which was a successor to Softimage|3D, offering a more advanced, user-friendly interface and improved functionality.
- End of Life: Despite its historical significance, Autodesk announced the end of development for Softimage in 2014, with the last version being Softimage 2015.
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