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Metal Gear Solid 3 Production Tool
by SoftImage, 21.05.2003

Konami Japan once again chooses Softimage software for creating the latest entry to its worldwide mega-hit franchise

Montreal, Quebec – July 21 2003 – Softimage Co., a subsidiary of Avid Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVID), today announced that Konami Computer Entertainment Japan (JASDAQ:4338) has chosen the SOFTIMAGE®|XSI® software, Softimage’s leading nonlinear 3-D production environment as its main tool for creating “Metal Gear Solid 3”. Directed by Mr. Hideo Kojima, the new title has already grabbed the attention of E3 2003 attendees, earning the rank of “most impressive game title at E3 2003” by a leading Japanese game magazine, and its trailer was ranked number one in the “must see” rankings of E3 by the GameSpot.com website.

“Metal Gear Solid 3” is the latest entry to the company’s leading game franchise with over 13 million copies sold.  In an extremely competitive environment, where the lines between games and film have become increasingly blurred, Konami Japan wanted to further extend their brand with an increased level of realism, in-game art and character capability.  In creating this title, Konami Japanturned to the SOFTIMAGE|XSI software, which designers could easily use, and to Softimage Co., a company focused and responsive to the in-production needs of the professional market. 

“Our company goal is to lead the future of entertainment by establishing a corporate brand and expanding it to generate the most expectation. To create and deliver “Metal Gear Solid 3, we evaluated the tools available and chose the SOFTIMAGE|XSI software, whose animation and polygonal modeling tools and SDK environment are of the highest quality,” comments the general manager at Konami Computer Entertainment Japan’s Design Unit.  “In addition to this, we chose to partner with Softimage for the company’s strong support and the quick responsiveness of the Softimage Japan office; very important criteria when creating such a significant project.”

Like other leading Japanese game companies that have been using Softimage products for the past decade, Konami has a large and valuable database of assets created in SOFTIMAGE|3D, some of which they wanted to use in the new title.  Fast and efficient conversion of the data was therefore an important first step in keeping overall costs down and thus allowing the development teams to focus on creative work.

One of the first questions for Konami Japan was whether or not to convert the old SOFTIMAGE|3D data to the new environment and character structure in the SOFTIMAGE|XSI software. Using the SOFTIMAGE|XSI software, Konami Japan solved this question simply and efficiently by creating a script for transplanting motion and generating SOFTIMAGE|XSI scenes automatically using the Batch process. Scripting was also used for repetitive work, allowing Konami Japan to decrease production time and reduce the errors that are associated with routine work.


None of these images are from MGS3 development

The general manager at Konami Computer Entertainment Japan’s Design Unit adds: “Another feature that we found beneficial was the ability to distribute new tools via add-ons to each person in charge when changes are made. And as for the rigging in the SOFTIMAGE|XSI software, it was useful having expressions automatically generated by dragging and dropping from one parameter to another, as well as having the ability to offset constraints and blend their relative weights. Previously, these functions were achieved only through complex numerical formulas.  With the SOFTIMAGE|XSI software, we can now concentrate on the quality of modeling and animation.”

Konami Japan also chose the SOFTIMAGE|XSI environment for its animation mixer, which is able to connect and composite seamlessly the motion data done by different divisions all at the same time. This made it possible to create a variety of work quickly and allow for easy editing. Konami Japan also praised the ease of use of the SOFTIMAGE|XSI software and said: “Even designers who are not familiar with the SOFTIMAGE|XSI software can easily create compelling content by using the synoptic view for character control. The customisability extends to the entire interface, making any work more efficient, freeing designers from non-productive, repetitive tasks and letting them focus on the creative aspects of development.”

“We are proud to announce that Konami Computer Entertainment Japan has chosen the SOFTIMAGE|XSI environment as its main tool for production. It builds upon the strong relationship we have shared since 1990 through which we developed and delivered many important advances to the game development community,” says Michael Stojda, managing director at Softimage. “We look forward to playing “Metal Gear Solid 3” when it’s released.”


None of these images are from MGS3 development

About Softimage Co.
Softimage Co., a subsidiary of Avid Technology, Inc., is an industry leader in 3-D animation, 2-D cel animation, compositing and special effects software, designed to address the demands of the film and commercial/broadcast and games/interactive industries. The SOFTIMAGE|XSI software, an integral player in Avid's Make, Manage and Move Media™ strategy, is the flagship product offering from Softimage. It is the industry's first 3-D nonlinear production environment providing animators and digital artists the freedom to make professional animation, visual effects and games - from major motion pictures, to cartoons and commercials, to animated content for video games and Web sites. Softimage is proud to count amongst its customers: ILM, R!OT, Valve, Capcom, Electronic Arts, Pandemic Studios, The Mill, Pixel Liberation Front, Blue Sky Studios, Hybride, Mainframe, Janimation, Quiet Man, PSYOP, Cinepix and Framestore CFC. The Softimage product family is designed to help users innovate, create and collaborate throughout the production process. For more information about Softimage visit www.softimage.com. For more information about Avid visit www.avid.com.

PRESS CONTACTS

Véronique Froment
Bubble & Squeak
T: +1 603 537 9248
E:
veronique@bubblesqueak.com
Sadie Paris
Bubble & Squeak UK
T: +44 (0) 20 7636 0781
E:
sadie@bubblesqueak.co.uk

©2003 Avid Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Product specifications and availability are subject to change without notice.  Avid, SOFTIMAGE, XSI, and Make, Manage and Move Media are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.  mental ray and mental images are registered trademarks of mental images GmbH & Co. KG in the USA and some other countries.  All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

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