GDC 2009 - Autodesk Inc. has announced Autodesk Softimage Mod Tool 7.5 software (formerly Softimage XSI Mod Tool). This free 3D modeling and animation package for aspiring game artists is based on the same toolset as Autodesk Softimage (formerly Softimage XSI).
New learning materials: Softimage Mod Tool 7.5 comes with training materials from Noesis Interactive. These materials show users how to create a character and export it for use in Microsoft XNA Games Studio 3.0.
New real-time shading API (application programming interface): SoftimageMod Tool 7.5 supports the Realtime Shader API Version 3.0, which helps make real-time shader development simpler and more flexible. The new version offers an architecture focused on programmable shaders (GLSL, HLSL) and file-based effects (CgFX and DxFX). With these capabilities, what game developers see in Softimage Mod Tool is what they get in the game.Interactive Creative Environment (ICE): ICE is an open, scalable platform that enables artists to extend the capabilities of Softimage more quickly and intuitively using a node-based dataflow diagram. Artists can now quickly create complex 3D effects and tools without writing code.
Support for Windows Vista operating system: Autodesk Softimage Mod Tool7.5 now supports the Windows Vista Business operating system. Softimage Mod Tool 7.5 can export 3D models and animation for use with the Microsoft XNA Game Studio 3 framework. Fledgling or independent game developers now have access to a professional tool set for creating original games on the Microsoft Xbox console or Windows platform.Users can also download add-ons for content export to Crytek CryENGINE 2, Epic Unreal Engine 3, and Valve Source game engines. With this professional3D tool set, modders can produce characters and props for their favorite game.
Autodesk Softimage Mod Tool Pro 7.5 software is functionally identical to the Mod Tool, but has an End User License Agreement that allows users to produce assets for games sold via Microsoft's Xbox Live Community Games. Autodesk Softimage Mod Tool Pro 7.5 is available only with Microsoft's XNA Creator's Club Premium membership. Autodesk anticipates that Softimage Mod Tool 7.5 software will be available in April 2009.