Game on for Maya LT
Autodesk has introduced Autodesk Maya LT 2014, a new 3D modelling and animation suite tailored for independent and mobile game developers.
Available immediately, the company said Maya LT drew inspiration from Maya to bring an intuitive, affordable new toolset for the creation of professional-grade 3D mobile, PC and web-based game assets, via an easy-to-navigate user interface (UI). The software integrates into game development workflows with out-of-the box support for Unity 3D Engine and Unreal Engine through the FBX file format for primary data exchange, and the ability to import certain 3D asset formats [Maya (.ma, .mb), Maya LT (.mlt), OBJ, FBX, AI, EPS] and texture formats (BMP, PNG, DDS, EXR, TGA, TIFF), as well as export 3D assets in FBX and .mlt.
As well as the game engine support, Maya LT offers modeling tools to help create and alter 3D assets of any size and export FBX files containing up to 25,000 polygons per object. Animation tools include a skeleton generator and inverse kinematics with Autodesk HumanIK, while Global illumination tools help simulate near realistic lighting through baking lighting data into texture maps, and vertex maps. Autodesk said the high-quality viewport offers previews to help developers view assets as they would appear in games.
Maya LT is being offered on monthly, quarterly or annual rental plan, as well as being made available under a perpetual licence.
“We see indie game developers as a key part of the industry, driving innovative new production techniques and gameplay,” said Chris Bradshaw, senior vice president, Autodesk Media & Entertainment. “The market is fiercely competitive, and Maya LT can provide indie developers and small studios with a powerful, yet simplified workflow for designing and animating remarkable 3D characters, environments and props – at a price that fits within even the most modest budget. It’s a practical solution that closely matches the needs of the mobile game development production cycle and helps developers rise above the noise and really shine.”
Autodesk Maya LT 2014 is now available for Mac and Windows at a starting price of $795 per perpetual license. Term licenses will also be available as part of a monthly, quarterly or annual rental plan in the near future, starting at $50, $125 and $400 respectively.
Visit Autodesk for more information, and to download a free trial of Maya LT.
