Autodesk Acquires Mudbox 3D Modeling Developer Skymatter

3ds Max and Maya publishers Autodesk have announced an agreement to acquire New Zealand-based developer Skymatter, makers of brush-based modeling software Mudbox 3D to offer "a more complete solution for film, television and game pipelines." Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but Autodesk says the acquisition, which it adds will "augment Autodesk's offering for the film, television and game market segments," will close some time in the next two months. Skymatter founders Andrew Camenisch, Dave Cardwell and Tibor Madjar will join Autodesk's Media & Entertainment division. Mudbox, previously featured in a Gamasutra interview, allows users to, says Autodesk, "sculpt organic shapes in 3D space with brush-like tools," offering "a simple and fast toolset for creative modeling, prototyping and detailing" for both traditional sculptors and digital artists. The software allows assets created in Mudbox to be imported into 3ds Max and Maya software to be textured, rigged, animated and rendered. It is currently in use by studios such as Weta Digital, Blur Studio, Cinesite, Epic Games, Pandemic Studios and The Orphanage, and was used in Weta's King Kong film, as well as upcoming films like The Golden Compass, Fred Claus and Inkheart. Said Autodesk's Media & Entertainment division senior VP Marc Petit, "Entertainment and design markets are demanding more integrated technology workflows, as well as increased realism and sophistication. In order to create advanced digital characters and models, 3D artists are relying on Skymatter's Mudbox software, along with Autodesk's 3D solutions. By acquiring Skymatter, Autodesk will be able to offer a more complete solution for film, television and game pipelines, as well as new workflows for other design disciplines, such as automotive and industrial design."