Partnership With Criterion to Drive Support for JSR 184(M3G) Exporter to the
Growing Number of 3D Mobile Gaming Platforms Supported by Discreet
3ds max(R) Software
SAN FRANCISCO, March 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Discreet, a division of
Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK), today announced a partnership with Criterion
Software, a leading provider of middleware solutions for the game development
industry, to provide support for JSR-184 (M3G), the mobile 3D graphics API for
J2ME(TM), underscoring the company's commitment to mobile 3D development
pipelines. Working with Criterion's RenderWare Mobile initiative and with its
embedded graphics partner, Hybrid Graphics, Discreet partner Digital Elements
will craft a JSR-184 exporter and desktop viewer for Discreet's 3ds max(R)
professional animation software.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20031016/SFTH007LOGO )
The JSR-184 graphics specification has recently been adopted as part of
the J2ME platform, and is expected to increase the market opportunity for 3D
mobile games by providing a common framework for 3D games over wireless
networks. Along with the JSR-184 exporter for 3ds max software, Discreet will
be providing a desktop viewer, based on Hybrid Graphics OpenGL(R) ES that
emulates the hardware profile of the mobile phone on a PC.
"We are constantly seeking innovative ways to support our customers in
game development-a market that Discreet's 3ds max software has played a
leading role in for many years," said Marc Petit, vice president of product
development at Discreet. "Mobile gaming is one of the next frontiers for 3D,
and Discreet is committed to providing seamless integration with all of the
major gaming formats for cell phones and wireless handheld devices," added
Petit.
Under Criterion Software's RenderWare Mobile Initiative, the Hybrid
OpenGL(R)ES/JSR 184 graphics solution is seeing widespread adoption by cell
phone and silicon manufacturers for delivery of embedded graphics standards on
mobile devices.
"JSR 184 is one of the important content interfaces to OpenGL ES, enabling
a wide range of developers to bring their content to market over cellular
networks, while benefiting from improvements in hardware," says
Lincoln Wallen, Criterion's VP RenderWare Mobile. "By providing a desktop
version of the Hybrid OpenGL ES/JSR 184 solution, fully compatible with those
embedded on cell phones, artists and developers will enjoy simplified workflow
and better productivity. We are pleased to work closely with Discreet to
ensure developers get the support they need to address this challenging market
cost-effectively."
This announcement comes on the heels of the launch of the first
international 3D mobile gaming competition by Discreet together with Nokia,
Orange, Intel, IBM, In-Fusio, Criterion, Fathammer, NVIDIA, Kaolink and
Ideaworks3D. More information about this contest is available online at
http://www.3dmobilegamingcontest.com.
About 3ds max
Discreet 3ds max software has the largest installed base in the 3D
industry and is the preferred 3D software in the core production environment
for Ubisoft, Rockstar Games, Electronic Arts, HOK, Ellerbe Becket, Blur
Studios, Frantic Films, Digital Dimension-along with other leading design and
entertainment firms.
About Discreet
Discreet empowers media professionals to realize the visual experience and
transform their vision into reality. Discreet's award-winning solutions are
designed for digital media creation, management and delivery-across all
disciplines from film and television visual effects, color grading and editing
to animation, game development, and design visualization. Discreet is based in
Montreal, Quebec, and is a division of Autodesk, Inc, the world's leading
design and digital media creation, management, and distribution company.
http://www.discreet.com.
About Criterion Software/RenderWare
Criterion Software is the world-leading provider of middleware solutions
for the game development industry. Founded in 1993, Criterion Software is a
rapidly expanding organization that today employs over 200 people in its
software technology and game development divisions, and has offices in Austin,
Guildford, Derby, Paris and Tokyo. Criterion Software is a wholly owned
subsidiary of Canon Inc.
RenderWare is Criterion's portfolio of game development solutions, which
includes RenderWare Platform and RenderWare Studio for PlayStation(R) 2,
Xbox(TM), NINTENDO GAMECUBE(TM) and PC.
RenderWare is used extensively among the game development community,
including heavyweights such as Activision, Atari, EA, Konami, Midway, Rockstar
Games, Sammy Studios, SCEA, Sony Online, THQ, Ubisoft and VUG. RenderWare is
currently powering over 500 games in development or released -- that's one in
four console skus using our services and technology. Games published using
RenderWare include some of the industry's hottest properties including Sonic
Heroes, kill.switch, Grand Theft Auto: -- Vice City, Mortal Kombat 5 -- Deadly
Alliance and Burnout 2: Point of Impact.
About RenderWare Mobile
The RenderWare Mobile Initiative aims to assist the mobile industry in the
preparation of devices and services for premium game content by helping to
place mobile devices in the mainstream of game development. This involves
promoting high-quality multi-media foundations such as embedded
implementations of graphics standards like M3G/JSR 184 and OpenGL ES on top of
which higher level game development tools and technologies, such as
RenderWare, can be delivered to enable game developers to build compelling
content for mobile devices cost-effectively.
For more information about RenderWare please visit
http://www.renderware.com .
About Hybrid Graphics Ltd
Hybrid Graphics, Ltd is a leading developer of graphics technology
solutions for mobile devices.
Founded in 1994, Hybrid has a decade of experience in developing 3D
technology for various platforms. The company has a strategic distribution
partnership with Criterion Software, the leading 3D middleware vendor. Hybrid
has shipped several embedded 3D graphics solutions that have been deployed in
mass-market consumer devices. Among Hybrid's customers and partners are also
Ericsson Mobile Platforms, Fathammer, Futuremark, Intel and Sony Online
Entertainment. Hybrid is located in Helsinki, Finland. Please visit
http://www.hybrid.fi for more information.
NOTE: Discreet is a division of Autodesk, Inc. Discreet and 3ds max are
either trademarks or registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. /Autodesk Canada
Inc. in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names,
or trademarks belong to their respective holders.
Contact:
Discreet Public Relations
Kevin G Clark
Senior Manager of Corporate Communications
+1-415-547-2457
kevin.g.clark@autodesk.com
Raz Public Relations
Karen Raz
+1-310-450-1482
karen@razpr.com
SOURCE Autodesk, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.autodesk.com
Photo Notes:http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20031016/SFTH007LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
CONTACT:
Kevin G Clark, Senior Manager of Corporate
Communications of Discreet Public Relations, +1-415-547-2457, or
kevin.g.clark@autodesk.com; or Karen Raz of Raz Public Relations,
+1-310-450-1482, or karen@razpr.com, for Discreet
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