Avid Announces Softimage XSI 4.2

Avid Technology, Inc. has announced version 4.2 of its Softimage XSI software, offering a series of enhancements for the art-related software, encompassing 3D animation, digital asset management, and nonlinear editing tools. and designed for those working on complex CG productions including video games. Ubisoft, Capcom, Konami, Sony, Valve, Pandemic, Taito, Sega and Atari are among the game creators listed as using Softimage, which comes in three packages - Foundation, Essentials and Advanced, for game creation purposes. Softimage XSI V4.2 includes robust normal map generation for game developers, which simplifies the process for creating sophisticated effects in real time, and has also moved high-end features like crowd simulation software into its XSI Advanced software, and compositing and paint functionality within the XSI Essentials package. Customers who already own V4.0 of Softimage XSI can now download an upgrade to the software from the official Softimage site. The upgraded V4.2 XSI application is also available as a standalone purchase.