Autodesk Softimage
| Company type | Software |
|---|---|
| Industry | 3D computer graphics software |
| Predecessor | Softimage |
| Founded | August 2000 |
| Founder | Softimage Co. |
| Defunct | April 30, 2016 |
| Fate | Discontinued |
Area served | Film industry, video game production, advertising |
| Products | 3D modeling, animation, visual effects software |
| Owner | Autodesk (from October 2008) |
| Parent | Autodesk |
Autodesk Softimage was a now-obsolete 3D computer graphics software designed for 3D modeling, animation, and visual effects creation, predominantly utilized in the film industry, video game production, and advertising sectors. Initially launched in August 2000 under the name Softimage|XSI by Softimage Co., then part of Avid Technology, the software was later purchased by Autodesk in October 2008 for roughly $35 million. Following the acquisition, it was renamed Autodesk Softimage in February 2009. A complimentary edition called Softimage Mod Tool catered to game mod developers working with platforms such as Microsoft XNA, Valve's Source engine, and Unreal Engine; this version was discontinued alongside Softimage 2015. Autodesk ceased further development after the 2015 release cycle but maintained support until April 30, 2016.
Overview
Autodesk Softimage offered a robust collection of tools for 3D animation production. Its modeling system supported both polygonal and NURBS surfaces, featuring subdivision modeling applied directly on geometry. The software employed a construction history stack that facilitated non-destructive editing workflows by allowing operators to be rearranged or adjusted at any point.
For rigging, it provided skeletal control rigs equipped with automated inverse kinematics (IK), constraints, and dedicated solvers tailored for complex structures like spines and tails. The ICE platform enabled node-based rig creation. Predefined adaptable rigs for bipeds and quadrupeds, combined with FaceRobot technology, streamlined facial rigging and lip synchronization processes.
Animation capabilities included layered editing and a mixer tool for non-linear blending of clips. The animation history stack was maintained separately from the modeling data, permitting modifications to geometry without impacting animation sequences. The MOTOR system supported retargeting animations between characters with differing proportions. GATOR facilitated the transfer of attributes such as textures and weight maps between different models. Simulation features encompassed particle systems, rigid and soft body dynamics, cloth behavior, hair simulation, and fluid dynamics.
Softimage integrated the mental ray rendering engine featuring node-based materials and shader creation. An interactive render region provided real-time previewing within the viewport. Shader support extended to GPU languages including Cg and HLSL.
The FX Tree compositor allowed for node-based compositing directly inside scenes, enabling manipulation of textures and final frame composition as part of the production pipeline.
Extensibility was achieved through a comprehensive API supporting scripting languages such as C#, Python, VBScript, and JScript alongside a C++ SDK for plugin development.
Scene data were saved in the dotXSI ASCII file format, which was derived from DirectX’s .X file format.
ICE Interactive Creative Environment
On July 7, 2008, Softimage, Co. released Softimage XSI 7,[1] unveiling the ICE (Interactive Creative Environment) framework. ICE is a visual programming system that empowers users to enhance Softimage’s functionality through node-based dataflow diagrams. This environment enables artists to develop intricate 3D effects—including procedural modeling, deformation, rigging, and particle simulations—without requiring traditional scripting skills. Additionally, ICE manages scene attributes such as camera shake or light pulsation and harnesses multi-core CPU architectures for scalable performance improvements.
ICE represents Softimage’s features as nodes endowed with specific functions. Users assemble these nodes visually to construct tools and effects. The software includes hundreds of nodes ranging from fundamental operations like Multiply to advanced compound nodes that encapsulate entire graphs into single reusable elements. Custom compounds can be integrated into the main menu and shared among different installations via XML files.
This node-graph methodology enables creation of effects that previously demanded scripting or compiled programming knowledge, thereby making sophisticated tools accessible to artists without coding expertise. Numerous free and commercial ICE tools have been developed by both users and third-party vendors. Moreover, Softimage incorporates ICE-driven simulations such as the Lagoa fluid and physics solver along with an ICE-adapted version of the Syflex cloth simulator.
Industry applications
Softimage XSI, along with its predecessor Softimage 3D, found extensive use across the film, video game, and advertising sectors for the development of digital characters, immersive environments, and visual effects. Prominent projects that incorporated Softimage technology include Jurassic Park, Thor, Predators, District 9, White House Down, the Yakuza video game franchise, and Elysium.
Version history
- Autodesk Softimage 2015 – released April 14, 2014
- Autodesk Softimage 2014 – released April 12, 2013
- Autodesk Softimage 2013 – released April 12, 2012
- Autodesk Softimage 2012 SAP (Subscription Advantage Pack) – released September 27, 2011
- Autodesk Softimage 2012 – released April 7, 2011
- Autodesk Softimage 2011 SAP (Subscription Advantage Pack) – released October 7, 2010
- Autodesk Softimage 2011 – released April 9, 2010
- Autodesk Softimage 2010 – released September 14, 2009
- Autodesk Softimage 7.5 – released February 20, 2009
External links
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