Discreet's gmax takes flight with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2002 Professional Edition; gmax software enables game players to create and modify aircraft and visual content

Business Wire, Dec 4, 2001

Business Editors

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 4, 2001

Discreet, a division of Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), announced today that the first game title to include a gmax(TM) game pack is now available on store shelves across the country.

Flight Simulator(TM) 2002 Professional Edition from Microsoft(R) is the first title to ship with Discreet's integrated gmax game pack and the free consumer version of the gmax application. Players are now able to import Flight Simulator 2002 content, such as aircraft, buildings, and other 3D objects into this gmax software, and customize the content with new features and artwork. Users can also build detailed new objects for use with Flight Simulator 2002. The consumer version of gmax software is available as a free download from the Discreet website at www.discreet.com/products/gmax, for customers who want to begin learning 3D modeling and game level creation.

"By providing our customers trend-setting technologies that the Discreet gmax game pack delivers in Flight Simulator 2002 Professional Edition, Microsoft and Discreet now offer the tools and flexibility to extend and modify the experience of flight," said Bruce Williams, product planner for flight simulations at Microsoft.

"With gmax shipping in game titles like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2002 Professional Edition, Discreet is providing consumers the advanced 3D modeling and game modification tools they have been asking for," said Paul Perreault, gmax product manager.

About gmax software

The consumer version of gmax is Discreet's free game development level editor, based on tool sets from its own best-selling, professional 3D animation application, Discreet's 3ds max(TM) software. Game companies can extend the life of games with gmax dev software by creating and distributing gmax "Game Packs" allowing players to create, customize, and trade game content through online gmax game communities.

Product Licensing and Availability

Complete information about Discreet solutions, including gmax software, is available at www.discreet.com or call 800-869-3504 or 514-393-1616 for more information.

About Microsoft Game Studios

Microsoft's Game Studios is a leading worldwide games company with three core businesses: games development and publishing, the Microsoft(R) Xbox(TM) video game system, and Zone.com. Zone.com (http://www.zone.com/) is the Internet's largest game site.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq:MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services, and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software -- any time, any place and on any device.

About Discreet

Discreet, a division of Autodesk, Inc., is a worldwide leader in digital content creation, management, and distribution tools. Discreet develops systems and software for visual effects, animation, nonlinear editing, broadcast production, and integrated infrastructure and workflow solutions. Discreet serves a broad range of markets involved in content creation, delivery, and use, including film and television postproduction, broadcast production, games, animation, multimedia for corporate, government, and education, and the rich media for the web.

The information contained in this document relates to prerelease software product that may be substantially modified before its first commercial release. Accordingly, the information may not accurately describe or reflect the software product when first commercially released. This document is provided for informational purposes only, and Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to this document or the information contained in it.

Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Discreet is a division of Autodesk, Inc. Discreet, 3ds max and gmax are trademarks of Autodesk, Inc./Discreet Logic, Inc., in the United States and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

(c)Copyright 2001 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.