Join the Autodesk Imagine Tour and discover how Autodesk® 2010 creative software can benefit television and film professionals as well as game developers.

Sign Up To Attend

At this information-packed event, you’ll learn how to:

* Improve your production development process
* Solve real-world production challenges
* Gain a competitive advantage by using Autodesk solutions for film, television, and games
* Explore Autodesk 2010 media and entertainment solutions

Today, television and film facilities as well as game studios are being asked to deliver more content than ever before, faster than ever before. And with growing audience expectations, it’s crucial that the quality of this content be second to none. Fortunately, Autodesk offers industry-leading creative tools for film and television professionals and game developers.

Through these Autodesk solutions, and the Autodesk® FBX® technology, you can create a virtual production space based on intelligent assets. In this space you’ll gain support for creative collaboration, which can result in greater production efficiency.

Sign up now for the Autodesk Imagine Tour and put the power of 2010 Autodesk software to work for you. Registration is free, but space is limited, so reserve your spot today.

Sign Up To Attend

Who Should Attend?

* 3D Artists
* Animators
* Art Directors
* Creative Directors
* Game Designers
* Game Developers
* Production Managers
* Technical Directors
* Visual Effects Artists
* Visual Effects Supervisors

Upcoming Dates:

May 12 – Dallas, TX
May 28 – New York, NY
June 4 – San Jose, CA

Now in its third year, Dimension 3 will again be the crucial meeting-point for performers, technical and business professionals who create 3D stereo content for cinema, TV, video games, home entertainment, communications and training – underlining its position as the No.1 forum on the calendar for the 3D industry.

This year, Dimension 3 will take place at the National Dance Centre (Centre National de la Danse), Pantin, in the Seine-Saint-Denis region of Paris, an area that strongly supports 3D research and production.

For three days, visitors and exhibitors will discover the latest innovations in 3D stereo, whilst also evaluating the maturity of current creation and visualization solutions dedicated to the 3D imagery, and their diverse applications.

More than 60 international experts will gather at the International Forum dedicated to 3D images, to discuss technological, creative and economic matters in a series of illuminating Dimension 3 Lectures and Masterclasses. Details to be release soon.

A new feature this year’s Dimension 3 will be a space for professional 3D producers to present their 3D creations and technical know-how. There will also be a brand new Immersion Area showcasing cutting-edge 3D stereo experimentation in video games, telecommunications and business marketing tools. The Immersion Area provides a unique opportunity to discover, test and try all of today’s 3D novelties, that could become tomorrow’s commercial essentials.

Dimension 3, third edition, will continue its entertaining and educational ambitions with an absorbing exhibition about the history of 3D technologies. Dimension 3 will also offer bilingual (French/English) training programmes and support for the development of 3D content with a Writing Talent Grant.

SUPPORTERS FOR DIMENSION 3 2009:
Companies already supporting Dimension 3 2009 include: 3D Revolution, Assimilate, Attitude Studio, Auditoire, Autodesk, BskyB, Color Code, Dassault Systems, Digimage Cinema, Dolby, Doremi Cinema, Eutelsat, The Foundry, Imax, Inition, In-Three, Iridas, Iz3D, Futuroscope, Mercenaries Engineering, Panasonic, Principal Large Format, Samsung, Sensio, SMPTE, Tempere University of Technology, Thomson and Xpand.

KEY FIGURES FROM DIMENSION 3 2008:
• 325 professional visitors (up 62% from the first edition)
• 3,900 viewers at the public screenings (50% up from the first edition)
• 8 hours of 3D programs
• Special Premieres of Hannah Montana and Scar 3-D
• Over 25 exhibitors in 3D audio-visual, cinema, games, display and digital signage
• Over 50 expert speakers
• 150 attendees every day at the professional conferences
• 20 participants on the training course on 3D production (AFDAScertified training)

THE STATE OF THE 3D INDUSTRY:
• In France, screenings of the 3D version of Journey To The Center Of The Earth attracted four times more viewers than the 2D version
• Over 10,000 theatres in the USA will feature digital projectors by 2011
• Over 13 feature films in 3D are scheduled for release in 2009-2010 (including Spielberg’s Tintin and James Cameron’s Avatar)

Further Information:
For further information please visit www.dimension3-expo.com
Dimension 3 is supported by the Conseil Général of the Seine-Saint-Denis and is organised by Seine Saint-Denis Avenir – an agency for the economic development of the Seine Saint-Denis –in partnership with Avance Rapide Communication.

Contact:
Avance Rapide Communication, T: (+33) 1 41 14 05 70

Ronel Faustino E: ronel@avancerapide.com
Camille Couderc E: Camille@avanceapide.com

“Softimage Mod Tool gives the next generation of game artists access to professional tools, so they can learn while making their own games or game mods,” said Marc Stevens, Autodesk Media & Entertainment vice president, games. “Game developers can also use the software to extend the life of a game by building a community of modders. Game mods can go on to become commercial games in their own right, and they can be used by developers to identify talent for recruiting purposes.”

New Features in Autodesk Softimage Mod Tool 7.5
o New learning materials: Softimage Mod Tool 7.5 comes with training
materials from Noesis Interactive. These materials show users how to create a character and export it for use in Microsoft XNA Games Studio 3.0.

o New real-time shading API (application programming interface): Softimage
Mod Tool 7.5 supports the Realtime Shader API version 3.0, which helps make real-time shader development simpler and more flexible. The new version offers an architecture focused on programmable shaders (GLSL, HLSL) and file-based effects (CgFX and DxFX). With these capabilities, what game developers see in Softimage Mod Tool is what they get in the game.

o Interactive Creative Environment (ICE): ICE is an open, scalable platform
that enables artists to extend the capabilities of Softimage more quickly and intuitively using a node-based dataflow diagram. Artists can now quickly create complex 3D effects and tools without writing code.

o Support for Windows Vista operating system: Autodesk Softimage Mod Tool
7.5 now supports the Windows Vista Business operating system.

Autodesk Softimage Mod Tool (formerly XSI Mod Tool) software is a free 3D modeling and animation package for creating non‐commercial games and “modding” (modifying games). Softimage Mod Tool 7.5 is based on the same professional toolset found in Autodesk Softimage 7.5, used by game developers to create 3D characters, levels, props and animation. Game developers can use Softimage Mod Tool toextend the life of games and recruit talent with a modding community using. Softimage Mod Tool 7.5 exports to Microsoft XNA and add‐ons are available that enable export to Crytek CryENGINE 2, Valve Source and Epic Unreal Engine 3.

Realtime Shading API
Softimage Mod Tool 7.5 gives users unprecedented power in a free tool. A new realtime shading API
supports programmable shaders (GLSL, HLSL) and file‐based effects (CgFX and DxFX). This gives game
developers “what you see is what you get” (WYSIWYG) abilities when programming custom shader
effects, so that what you see in Softimage Mod Tool, is what you get in the game.

ICE – now in Mod Tool!
ICE (Interactive Creative Environment) is an open, scalable platform that enables you to extend the
capabilities of Softimage more quickly and intuitively using a node‐based dataflow diagram. This
paradigm means that 3D artists can create complex 3D effects and tools extremely quickly without
writing code.

Create Compelling 3D Content for Microsoft XNA and Major Game Engines Softimage Mod Tool 7.5 can export 3D models and animation for use with the Microsoft XNA Game Studio 3 framework. Fledgling or independent game developers now have access to a professional toolset for creating original games on the Microsoft Xbox console or Windows platform.

Users can also download add-ons for content export to Crytek CryENGINE 2, Epic Unreal Engine 3 and Valve Source game engines. With this professional 3D toolset modders can produce characters and props for their favorite game.

Commercial Version for Microsoft Xbox Live Community Games Available Autodesk Softimage Mod Tool Pro 7.5 software is functionally identical to the Mod Tool, but has an End User License Agreement that allows users to produce assets for games sold via Microsoft’s Xbox Live Community Games.
Autodesk Softimage Mod Tool Pro 7.5 is available only with Microsoft’s XNA Creator’s Club Premium membership. For more information visit http://creators.xna.com.

Availability
Autodesk anticipates that Softimage Mod Tool 7.5 software will be available in April 2009. For more information, visit www.softimage.com/products/modtool.

*Free products are subject to the terms and conditions of the end-user license agreement that accompanies the software.

Autodesk Softimage and XSI are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

Main Header Image Credit
Fable II – Angry Hobbes
Image courtesy of Lionhead Studios.

“Autodesk middleware products offer a solution to common runtime challenges, allowing development teams to concentrate on the creative work involved in authoring amazing new gameplay experiences,” said Marc Stevens, Autodesk vice president, games. “For example, HumanIK helps to alleviate the burden of large clip libraries by enabling procedural motion adaption, which reduces the number of clips animators need to produce and maintain. With Kynapse, programmers can avoid the development time and costs involved in writing custom runtime solutions for universal AI issues, like spatial awareness.”

Autodesk Kynapse 6: Put the Brain in Your Game Autodesk Kynapse middleware is a leading AI solution for game development and real-time simulations. With this middleware, developers can conveniently breathe life into games with characters that have spatial awareness, dynamic 3D pathfinding capabilities and team coordination.

Kynapse was recently adopted by Mythic Entertainment, an EA studio, for “Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning.” “The huge world of ‘Warhammer’ meant we needed a very robust pathfinding solution,” said Matt Shaw, CTO. “Our entire player movement system is built around enabling players to go wherever they are capable of reaching. Autodesk Kynapse gave us an algorithmic exploration solution that enabled our AI-driven actors to path with the same constraints and freedom as players.”

Autodesk Kynapse middleware is a world leading, artificial intelligence (AI) solution for game
development and real‐time simulations. The above scenario demonstrates three key functionalities of Kynapse: spatial reasoning (the bodyguards locate at run‐time, in 3D, threatening zones), team coordination (team members share information) and 3D pathfinding (bodyguards navigate in between the threat and the VIP).

Enhanced Dynamic 3D Pathfinding Kynapse 6 delivers best‐in‐class, dynamic 3D pathfinding that allow characters to find their way around 3D worlds that change. In the above image, planks are added and characters can find their way into the new areas automatically.

Flat Pathfinding Mode A new flat pathfinding mode significantly simplifies the implementation of 3D pathfinding using streamed navigation data.

Hierarchical 3D Pathfinding Kynapse 6 now includes a fully hierarchical 3D pathfinding solution that is capable of computing paths of limitless length on huge maps: maps that cannot possibly be loaded into memory in their entirety.Hierarchical 3D pathfinding computations use hierarchical data that describes large areas of differing resolutions. This data is automatically generated by the Kynapse Pathdata generation tool. Results are computed with different levels of detail, saving on CPU usage and memory consumption on the target platform.

The intelligent, high‐performance Autodesk Kynapse artificial intelligence (AI) engine was designed to handle large crowds in wide, complex, destructible environments. It supports automatic, hierarchical data generation, automatic data stitching and data streaming.

Kynapse 6 delivers new features that make it easier for game engineers to integrate the software and get results.
o Remote Debugger: The new remote debugging tool enables users to inspect
the state of the game variables, with an interactive 3D view of the debug information. Users can also record and replay sequences, while retaining access to the data in the recorded files
o New 3D Pathfinding Technology: The “flat” pathfinding technology
introduced in this release offers simplified data generation workflows, more flexible runtime data streaming, and the ability to add new paths on-the-fly at runtime.
o Improved MMO support: Data resources and runtime services can now be
shared across multiple Kynapse worlds, improving support for Massively Multiplayer On-line games
o Enhanced Dynamic 3D Pathfinding: With improved CPU performance and
granular control over memory consumption, characters can more easily avoid dynamic, movable obstacles
o Hierarchical 3D Pathfinding: Characters can now plan paths that span the
entire breadth of huge maps, even when those maps cannot be loaded in their entirety. The path is first computed at a low level of detail, and then refined opportunistically when more detailed data becomes available, keeping memory usage within set limits

For more information about Autodesk Kynapse 6, visit www.autodesk.com/kynapse.

AUTODESK HUMANIK 4
Autodesk HumanIK 4: Believable, Runtime Character Animation HumanIK animation middleware frees animators from having to produce every possible animation clip by procedurally adapting existing character animation to game environments at runtime. Also, the technology’s runtime retargeting enables developers to reuse banks of animation on characters of completely different scales and proportions. As a result, development teams can save time for more creative challenges.

Furthermore, HumanIK enhances animation systems by enabling characters to interact more realistically with the game environment. Characters place their feet correctly, climb walls and pick up objects, even when the game environment changes. With fewer gameplay constraints, HumanIK helps to bring games to life with more believable and immersive character animation experiences.

The latest release – Autodesk HumanIK 4 – delivers a User Guide and a new set of examples, integrated with the Trinigy Vision game engine. It also improves knee response to ankle rotations. For more information about HumanIK 4, visit www.autodesk.com/humanik.

Create high‐quality, believable character animation
HumanIK enhances animation systems by enabling characters to interact more realistically with the game environment. Characters place their feet correctly, climb walls, pick up weapons and objects, even when the game environment changes. With less gameplay constraints, HumanIK brings games to life with more believable and immersive character animation experiences.

Enhance animators’ productivity with procedural motion adaptation and retargeting.
By procedurally adapting existing character animation to game environments at run‐time, HumanIK frees animators from having to produce every combination of animation ‐‐ saving time for more creative challenges. Run‐time retargeting allows you to reuse banks of animation on characters of completely different scales and proportions.

New sample framework This version of HumanIK provides a new set of examples integrated with the Trinigy Vision™ game engine, showing how to carry out inverse kinematics and retargeting in a simple concrete implementation.

Platform Support and Availability
HumanIK 4 is now available. Autodesk anticipates that Kynapse 6 will be available during spring 2009. Both middleware products are optimized for PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii video game and entertainment consoles, as well as PCs running Windows or Linux. Kynapse is also optimized for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PSP game consoles.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc., is a world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art Digital Prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real.

Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.

Autodesk, AutoCAD, HumanIK and Kynapse are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

Main Header & Thumbnail Image Credit:
Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning – courtesy of Mythic Entertainment, an EA Studio.

This tutorial will explain how to create the tire tread as shown here (Fig.00).

Fig.00

You can start the treading from box modeling or splines. I personally use splines for 90% of my work, but if using splines then you will need to tidy up the model to clean up the geometry (Fig.01).

Fig.01

Delete half of the model so we can later mirror it. Select the faces and bevel them out enough to get some depth. Then select the edges of the model and bridge them to the other sides (Fig.02).

Fig.02

Instance a set of 3 in a row to make the top and bottom of the edges match up. This will help with welding the points later on (Fig.03).

Fig.03

Add an edit poly and hit tessellate twice. This will make the edges nice and smooth when we add a mesh smooth (Fig.04).

Fig.04

Add a mesh smooth modifier (Fig.05).

Fig.05

Add edit poly and start selecting edge loops that are not needed. Then remove them until they are on the edges, to make it smooth. I use Ctrl + Backspace to make this easier, but save often before doing this (Fig.06 – 07).

Fig.06

Fig.07

Copy the model 16 times, or however many times you need to make the treading you want. Then weld all the points that connect to turn it from 16 pieces to 1 mesh – all connected (Fig.08).

Fig.08

Mirror the model over, weld the middle points, and then remove the middle edge (Fig.09).

Fig.09

Apply a bend modifier and weld the connecting points (Fig.10)

Fig.10

Pull out the edges so that we can deform them outside later (Fig.11).

Fig.11

Apply an FFD modifier box, set it to 5x5x5 and scale in the edges (Fig.12).

Fig.12

Apply an edit poly and select the edges on both sides (Fig.13).

Fig.13

Extrude the edges in and chamfer the edges by 3 to get a smooth transition (Fig.14).

Fig.14

Just place the rim – and there you go! (Fig.15)

Fig.15

Hopefully this little tutorial will help you to model tire tread for your own projects. This is just one of many ways to model a tire, but I use this method the most (Fig.16).

Fig.16

Author: Ruben Morales
Website: http://aicandymedia.com/ruben
Author Email: rubenvoorhees1 [at] yahoo [dot] com

The Best of the Best Show Reel will be showcased at NAB, the National Association of Broadcasters Convention, from April 20-23, 2009, in Las Vegas. It will be featured in the Autodesk booth and on the exhibition floor. The deadline for video content submissions is Wednesday, March 4, 2009.

Autodesk is also interested in receiving high-resolution images – up to 300 dpi – for inclusion in its marketing material leading up to and surrounding the show. The deadline for imagery submission is Monday, February 16, 2009.

For more information, or to submit content, please visit: Autodesk NAB Submissions

The deadline for submitting imagery is Monday, February 16, 2009.

The deadline for submitting video content is Wednesday, March 4, 2009.

http://usa.autodesk.com

“We’ve had a great, longstanding engagement with Autodesk; we rely heavily on Autodesk software and custom development for many of our projects,” said Jim Mainard, head of Research and Development, DreamWorks Animation Technology. “For Shrek The Musical, the sophistication, interactivity and believability of the Magic Mirror wouldn’t have been possible without Autodesk technology.”

Autodesk is a world leader in design innovation technology. Autodesk 3D software and services enable customers to visualize, simulate and analyze entertainment and design projects. For Shrek The Musical, Autodesk designed a system that captures the facial motion of actor John Tartaglia in real-time and uses it to animate the face in the Magic Mirror. This live-to-stage performance is the first of its kind in a Broadway musical.

The Magic Mirror was featured on NBC’s The Today Show on December 8, 2008 and tested by co-host Meredith Vieira.

Shrek The Musical is an entirely new musical based on the story and characters from the book by famed New Yorker cartoonist William Steig, as well the Academy Award-winning Dreamworks film. The show celebrated Opening Night at The Broadway Theatre in New York City on December 14, 2008.

About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc. is the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art digital prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real.
Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.

About DreamWorks Animation SKG
DreamWorks Animation is principally devoted to developing and producing computer generated, or CG, animated feature films. With world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced CG filmmaking technology and techniques, DreamWorks Animation makes high quality CG animated films meant for a broad movie-going audience. The Company anticipates releasing its feature films into both conventional and IMAX(R) theatres worldwide. The Company has theatrically released a total of seventeen animated feature films, including Shrek, Shrek 2, Shark Tale, Madagascar, Over the Hedge, Shrek the Third, Bee Movie, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa. Monsters vs. Aliens opens in theaters on March 27, 2009. Beginning in 2009, all of the Company’s feature films will be produced in stereoscopic 3D technology.

Autodesk, AutoCAD and MotionBuilder are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders.
© 2009 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.

Written by CGnews

This year, Autodesk are particularly interested in high-definition (HD) material. Of course, video submissions in other formats are still most welcome. The Games Show Reel will be showcased at GDC 2009, March 25 – 27, 2009, in San Francisco. It will be featured in the Autodesk booth and on the exhibition floor. The deadline for video content submissions is Friday, February 6, 2009.

Show Off Your High-Res Images
Autodesk are also interested in receiving high-resolution images—up to 300 dpi—for inclusion in their marketing material leading up to and surrounding the show.

How to Submit Your Work
To learn more about how to submit your work, including contact information and procedures to follow for submission follow this link: http://usa.autodesk.com

Visit Autodesk at GDC 2009
Visit Autodesk at Moscone Center, North Hall, booth # 5716.