Middleware companies team up to cut development time

MathEngine and SoftImage today announced a new alliance to bring real-time behaviour and simulation development tools to the PC and console marketplace.

MathEngine's technology suite provides programmers with tools to replace scripted, planned or pre-recorded animation sequences with totally interactive, real-time physical simulations and behaviour. Appearing first as a set of plug-in tools for SoftImage's Avid SoftImage 3D system, in the long run these tools will provide a 3D development pipeline, from authoring to run-time, as a set of run-time components for consoles such as the PlayStation 2.

"MathEngine's real-time physical simulation and behaviour technology is an excellent addition to the SoftImage 3D animation system," said Chris Johnston, 3D Product Manager at SoftImage. "Using MathEngine's tools, animators can easily set up powerful physical simulations and behaviour directly in the SoftImage 3D environment. As these tools become available as middleware components, the same animation data can be used for authoring, prototyping and run-time, making the game development pipeline faster and much more flexible."

Developers can cut development time 10-fold by adding realistic physical simulations and behaviour to an application by using MathEngine Technology. The first in a series of MathEngine plug-ins will be available for the SoftImage 3D system later this year.

"Real-time physical simulation and behaviour is essential for a compelling 3D experience," said Jussi Westergren, Director of Business Development for MathEngine. "Our effort with SoftImage Co. will enable animators and designers to create these experiences in a highly intuitive, visual fashion."

Courtesy of IGN.com