Autodesk Maya Adds Muscle Functionality

Animation and modeling software developer Autodesk has announced it has incorporated Maya Muscle functionality into its 3D modeling, animation, visual effects and rendering solution, launching the Autodesk Maya 2008 Extension 1 software. Maya Muscle, which Autodesk recently acquired from Comet Digital, allows artists to create skin motion through features that let them direct muscle and skin behavior. The toolset integrates with the Maya architecture and overall workflow, enabling it to be used in isolation, interconnected with other Maya features, or customized and scaled as needed. Tools include advanced muscle and skin sculpting and deformation tools, as well as jiggle and weighting options, like slide, sticky and wrinkle weights. Maya Muscle also leverages the user interface and workflow features included in Maya 2008. It also incorporates tools such as automatic rigs, real-time jiggle tweaking, and file caching, designed specifically for secondary character motion.