Autodesk to split Max 2009 into two offerings

[3dmillermeter]

looks like Autodesk will be splitting Max 2009 into two flavors, one for design/architecture and one for Entertainment.

 

http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=17355

 

WHY?

 

 

more info:

 

http://pressreleases.autodesk.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=383%3C%2Ftd%3E

 

Autodesk Launches 3ds Max 2009 Entertainment Software and Introduces 3ds Max Design 2009 for Design Professionals

 

New Feature Highlights

 

Key features in Autodesk 3ds Max 2009 include the new Reveal rendering toolset, which streamlines iterative workflows; and the ProMaterials material library for simulating real-world surfaces. The release also delivers numerous biped enhancements and new UV editing tools. Improved OBJ and Autodesk FBX file formats import and export vastly enhance interoperability with Autodesk Mudbox, Autodesk Maya, Autodesk MotionBuilder software programs and other third-party applications. In addition, Recognize, a new scene-loading technology, significantly improves the inter-application workflow with Revit Architecture 2009.

 

"Autodesk 3ds Max has never failed to deliver; now it's even stronger with specialized versions," said Technical Director Yunus "Light" Balcioglu. "3ds Max 2009 offers great new features that allow me to be more productive and creative. The new biped improvements make it easy to build quadrupeds, Reveal rendering lets me iterate faster, and reworked OBJ import makes it easier than ever to jump between 3ds Max and Mudbox".

 

3ds Max Design 2009 includes all features offered in Autodesk 3ds Max 2009, with the exception of the software development toolkit (SDK). The SDK is a set of development tools used in the entertainment markets to integrate software into a production pipeline and develop in-house tools to be used in conjunction with the application. 3ds Max Design also includes Exposure technology for simulating and analyzing sun, sky, and artificial lighting to assist with LEED 8.1 certification.

 

"At SHoP Architects we rely on computer-aided design technology not only to produce innovative architectural forms, but also to create new efficiencies and cost-savings in the design and construction process," said David Fano, designer at SHoP Architects. "Autodesk 3ds Max Design will help us further this pursuit. The newly enhanced daylight simulation tools and improvements to the rendering workflow will allow us to iterate more freely and create better quality work faster. Also, the FBX-based interoperability with Revit will give us a continuous digital workflow by leveraging our Building Information Model for advanced visualization in 3ds Max during all stages of design."

 

For more information about 3ds Max 2009 and 3ds Max Design 2009, visit: http://www.worldpressdays08.com/.

[Horhe]

To make more money I suppose.

[Aaron2004]

So, is VIZ still going to be offered as well?

[Horhe]

So, is VIZ still going to be offered as well?

 

Viz is going to be split up into 12 different versions... not

[3dmillermeter]

More info on max 2009:

 

http://pressreleases.autodesk.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=383%3C%2Ftd%3E

 

New Feature Highlights

 

Key features in Autodesk 3ds Max 2009 include the new Reveal rendering toolset, which streamlines iterative workflows; and the ProMaterials material library for simulating real-world surfaces. The release also delivers numerous biped enhancements and new UV editing tools. Improved OBJ and Autodesk FBX file formats import and export vastly enhance interoperability with Autodesk Mudbox, Autodesk Maya, Autodesk MotionBuilder software programs and other third-party applications. In addition, Recognize, a new scene-loading technology, significantly improves the inter-application workflow with Revit Architecture 2009.

 

"Autodesk 3ds Max has never failed to deliver; now it's even stronger with specialized versions," said Technical Director Yunus "Light" Balcioglu. "3ds Max 2009 offers great new features that allow me to be more productive and creative. The new biped improvements make it easy to build quadrupeds, Reveal rendering lets me iterate faster, and reworked OBJ import makes it easier than ever to jump between 3ds Max and Mudbox".

 

3ds Max Design 2009 includes all features offered in Autodesk 3ds Max 2009, with the exception of the software development toolkit (SDK). The SDK is a set of development tools used in the entertainment markets to integrate software into a production pipeline and develop in-house tools to be used in conjunction with the application. 3ds Max Design also includes Exposure technology for simulating and analyzing sun, sky, and artificial lighting to assist with LEED 8.1 certification.

[Billabong]

from what I read, they are going to slowly try to gear all of thier viz users over to max 2009 design,

[alfienoakes]

Ken Pimentel, 3ds Max Product Manager;

 

"This is one of the reasons we created 3ds Max Design - to give VIZ users a clear path to 3ds Max and something they can fully leverage."

 

Translation; We dont like VIZ users paying less for a package that does what they want it too.. so we are gonna make up a new one and charge more for it.. thus restoring parity... even though they probably find VIZ just right for their needs................

[Brian Smith]

It's a bit unfair to imply that Autodesk is doing it to extort more money. Obviously it's a business that should try to make the best profit it can while providing a great product. And it really shouldn't come as a surprise, because it's what so many of us have been asking for a long time. I never saw the sense in maintaining 2 separate programs that basically did the same thing.

[EddieLeon]

It's a bit unfair to imply that Autodesk is doing it to extort more money. Obviously it a business that should try to make the best profit it can while providing a great product.

 

I agree. We gotta pay to play. Autodesk needs to generate enough revenue to support further development of Max. I have no issue with what they are doing.

 

By the way, has anyone seen the new box for Max 2009? I can't find it anywhere.

[Ernest Burden III]

Does this mean that VIZ is to become the MaxDesign version, or do they co-exist? Also--I've been meaning to ask--does VIZ open .max files?

[Billabong]

no Viz won't open max files and the cost of design is going to be the same as a standard max copy would be(if i read that right)

[Ricardo Eloy]

I guess what bugs people the most is the fact that they will take Viz (a relatively cheap 3D app, that many architects use for in-house production) away from the shelves and replace it with a more expensive version with no practical improvements for the user. At least until now, none of the "new features" sound convincing or make one want to upgrade/change to Max Design (unless you are a mr user).

[alfienoakes]

I guess what bugs people the most is the fact that they will take Viz (a relatively cheap 3D app, that many architects use for in-house production) away from the shelves and replace it with a more expensive version with no practical improvements for the user. At least until now, none of the "new features" sound convincing or make one want to upgrade/change to Max Design (unless you are a mr user).

 

Nail on the head Rick..

 

I have been an Autodesk user for about 12 years now, and lived thru some shocking upgrades to various programs. To suggest that we have to start "paying to play" is a little off the mark.

 

To me it looks like saying "well we dont really need vanilla Autocad 2008 anymore, so what we are going to do is invent a new Autocad Architecture to replace it, call it AA Design, but charge everyone the new higher price..

 

So what choice do we have now then..??

[lyca]

If my understanding good : now there are MAX and VIZ, Max cost -/+ 3500 USD and has all the functions we need in visuallisation and entertainment.

 

Viz cost +/- 1000USD + ADT price and just has basic function,

 

So now they will separate MAX in 2 versions entertainment and design, each version will have half of the function that Max 2008 have, so both version cost +/- 3.500USD If my company need tools for entertainment and viz we will have to pay -/+ 7000USD to get the complete functions as it now with 2008

 

This is definitely a hided price raising, and Autodesk is using some storytelling marketing techniques to get our acceptation to pay double the price,

it looks like this market is missing some serious competitors.

[Kyle]

If my understanding good : now there are MAX and VIZ, Max cost -/+ 3500 USD and has all the functions we need in visuallisation and entertainment.

 

Viz cost +/- 1000USD + ADT price and just has basic function,

 

So now they will separate MAX in 2 versions entertainment and design, each version will have half of the function that Max 2008 have, so both version cost +/- 3.500USD If my company need tools for entertainment and viz we will have to pay -/+ 7000USD to get the complete functions as it now with 2008

 

This is definitely a hided price raising, and Autodesk is using some storytelling marketing techniques to get our acceptation to pay double the price,

it looks like this market is missing some serious competitors.

 

I agree fully with what you are saying here and also 'Eddie Leon' why are you bothered about seeing the box for 2009:confused: is it not whats in the box that you should be interested in?

[EddieLeon]

I agree fully with what you are saying here and also 'Eddie Leon' why are you bothered about seeing the box for 2009:confused: is it not whats in the box that you should be interested in?

 

 

Lol...I'm gonna buy it anyways. I'll let you know why when it's released to the public.

[Ray]

Does this mean that VIZ is to become the MaxDesign version, or do they co-exist? Also--I've been meaning to ask--does VIZ open .max files?

 

Yes, if it is the same version, Viz will open .max files (it's native format) it just won't load Max specific dll's.

[Kyle]

Lol...I'm gonna buy it anyways. I'll let you know why when it's released to the public.

Ha ha. O.K when you buy it will you show me what the box looks like please;)

[Brian Cassil]

I didn't see this thread when I posted this on another:

 

I'm not sure if I understand this correctly but it appears that Max Design has some enhanced rendering and interoperobility features and the only thing it won't have is the SDK. If the price is the same then I guess I wouldn't have any reason to not switch over to that although I would be a little bit nervous about a diversion down the road that where Max had some features that I wanted and Max design also had some features I wanted and no way to get them both.

 

As far as the Viz thing goes I think Autodesk has been looking for an out from it for a long time. I think those who are saying that this is a way of getting more money from loyal customers is accurate. Although they do have some very attractive pricing for viz subscribers right now. The risk they run is those customers switching to another platform all together which may be a greater risk then they care to realize. Lightwave is rediculously fast and can handle massive scenes that would choke max easily. Cinema 4D, Modo, and even Maya (I realize it's autodesk) are more affordable solutions. And then there is the option of stand alone renderers that will be coming sooner or later from vray and finalrender. Will it be worth it to invest time in learning those programs? That's for each person to decide, but I think this will make more than just a few think about it.

[EddieLeon]

Ha ha. O.K when you buy it will you show me what the box looks like please;)

 

Sure. It should be pretty nice

[EddieLeon]

If my understanding good : now there are MAX and VIZ, Max cost -/+ 3500 USD and has all the functions we need in visuallisation and entertainment.

 

Viz cost +/- 1000USD + ADT price and just has basic function,

 

Ok. So how much does an extra $2,000 affect your bottom line? Keep in mind that this is our main tool. Jeez...you can pay for it in full with just 1 rendering.

[alfienoakes]

Ok. So how much does an extra $2,000 affect your bottom line? Keep in mind that this is our main tool. Jeez...you can pay for it in full with just 1 rendering.

 

I think that last statement may get a reaction...

 

Keep in mind that its probably not everyones main tool.. its a supplementary tool to things like ADT.. Add the cost of that in to the mix and its not "just 1 rendering"..

 

You dont work for Autodesk do you.......

[EddieLeon]

I think that last statement may get a reaction...

 

Keep in mind that its probably not everyones main tool.. its a supplementary tool to things like ADT.. Add the cost of that in to the mix and its not "just 1 rendering"..

 

You dont work for Autodesk do you.......

 

I understand it might not be everyone's tool of choice. And I can also see how this can be a big problem for freelancers that don't do too much volume. In the big scheme of things the change doesn't affect my costs. I think the main issue is whether or not Autodesk is selling a better product. I guess this remains to be seen.

 

Nope....I don't work for Autodesk

[lyca]

Ok. So how much does an extra $2,000 affect your bottom line? Keep in mind that this is our main tool. Jeez...you can pay for it in full with just 1 rendering.

 

Autodesk has a vision, that's ok. BUT when i think about, VIZ is kind of games for architects to try and Max is a serious toy for entertainment and arch visualization, separating entertainment and viz is not very smart cause if i look to what top viz company like Neoscape and co. are doing i'd say that viz and entertainment is the same. That's why i don't see a any good reason to split MAX in 2 if it is not just for sell it twice, the update for 10 licence every year is already a very expensif, and if we have to do it for 2 Max software...

 

If "Autodesk Max Design" was a complete new tools like a merge of MAX and Revit in one software that would be really revolutionary and worth the money

[Ricardo Eloy]

If "Autodesk Max Design" was a complete new tools like a merge of MAX and Revit in one software that would be really revolutionary and worth the money

Then again, this would be like forcing people to work the way they want them to. I mean, when you get ADT+Viz, you can only use ADT tools to create the models, and the resulting workflow is poor.

From my side, the only changes I'd like to see in Max are those we all listed in the forum's wishlist. I want to be able to work better, not people telling me how I should be working.