Microsoft and Discreet Sign Multi-Title Agreement to Build gmax game packs; ``Flight Simulator 2002'' First in Line

Business Wire, July 23, 2001

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 23, 2001

Game Players Will Be Able to Create, Modify and Share Personal

Game Content for an All-New Gaming Experience

Discreet, a division of Autodesk Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), today announced that a licensing agreement with Microsoft Corp.(Nasdaq:MSFT) has been signed to create, publish and distribute gmax(TM) game packs for multiple Microsoft(R) game titles.

The first confirmed title is Microsoft "Flight Simulator 2002: Professional Edition," which is set for delivery in the third quarter of this year.

"For years, `Flight Simulator' customers have asked for an easy way to create and modify aircraft, buildings and other 3-D objects, and then share the modifications with other users. Our strategic alliance with Discreet to incorporate gmax(TM) provides us with the perfect tool to meet their needs," said Bruce Williams, product planner for flight simulations at Microsoft.

"Our development team has leveraged its existing Discreet 3ds max(TM) asset creation and production pipeline, and we are basically providing those tools with the simulation in the form of a gmax game pack; users will receive a suite of 3-D tools to create, edit and share their own planes, scenery and other in-game content."

"Imagine the ability to model and fly your own custom aircraft over a flowing volcano, around a custom-designed rugged canyon wall, or over your own street and house. gmax places control in players' hands, allowing them to design new vehicles, terrain, obstacles or even adversaries," said Paul Perreault, gmax product manager.

"This agreement with Microsoft is an endorsement of Discreet technology and our vision of allowing consumers to extend and personalize their game experiences. Consumer game content modifications (mods) are the next trend in gaming -- and gmax is the perfect tool to help game developers bring this level of accessibility to their customers."

Microsoft "Flight Simulator" has sold millions of licensed units worldwide since it was first published nearly 20 years ago. The professional edition of the latest version, "Flight Simulator 2002," will ship this fall with an integrated gmax game pack and the free gmax application.

With gmax and the "Flight Simulator" game pack loaded, users can import game content -- aircraft, buildings, trees and other 3-D objects -- and customize those objects. Users can also build detailed new objects for use with "Flight Simulator 2002: Professional Edition."

Product Licensing and Availability

Complete information about Discreet solutions including gmax and 3ds max software can be found on the Discreet Web site. Visit Discreet at www.discreet.com or call 800/869-3504 or 514/393-1616 for more information.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft 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, 3-D animation, non-linear editing, infrastructure and integrated Universal Mastering workflow solutions, as well as real-time 3-D broadcast graphics creation and delivery systems.

Discreet serves a broad range of markets involved in content creation, delivery and use, including: film, television and HDTV, Internet broadcast, corporate/government/educational multimedia, post-production, games and animation and rich media for the Web.

The information contained in this document relates to pre-release 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.

Note to Editors: 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.

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.