Product: EA Chicago, SoftImage Partner On Dev Pipeline

Officials from Avid Technology subsidiary Softimage have announced that the company is developing a 3D game development pipeline built on Softimage XSI software for Electronic Arts’ Chicago studio (Fight Night, Def Jam: ICON). XSI software is a 3D modeling and character creation package. The software's latest version, Softimage XSI 6, supports the .NET framework and includes integrated C#, which has been proven popular with next-gen 3D game developers. In addition, XSI is built on an unique Gigapolygon core, which is designed to manage the kinds of 64-bit, high-polygon-count 3D characters and environments utilized by games displayed in high definition. Softimage officials note that the XSI-powered workflow will enable game developers at EA Chicago to “collaborate on complex projects and create realistic game experiences to meet growing consumer expectations.” According to Softimage, the company's products have been or are currently being used by several notable game developers, including Lionhead Studios, Ubisoft, Capcom, Konami, NCsoft, Valve, Square, Bizarre Creations, Pandemic, Sega and Atari. Scott Cronce, vice president and chief technology officer for EA's worldwide studios further notes, “EA Chicago is working with Softimage on this effort to explore new technologies to develop a new generation workflow model. Both companies are excited about the opportunity and expect this project to generate efficiencies in pipeline speed and iteration."