Mudbox merger

Autodesk has signed a definitive agreement to acquire all the assets of Skymatter Limited, the developer of Mudbox 3D modelling software.

Autodesk anticipates that the transaction will close in the next two months. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Skymatter is a privately held New Zealand-based company whose software offers a new paradigm of 3D brush-based modelling, allowing users to sculpt organic shapes in 3D space with brush-like tools.

Appealing to traditional sculptors and digital artists, Mudbox is said to provide a simple and fast toolset for creative modelling, prototyping and detailing. 3D assets created in Mudbox are often imported into Autodesk 3ds Max and Autodesk Maya software for texturing, rigging, animation and final rendering.

‘Entertainment and design markets are demanding more integrated technology workflows, as well as increased realism and sophistication,’ said Marc Petit, senior vice president, Autodesk Media & Entertainment. ‘In order to create advanced digital characters and models, 3D artists are relying on Skymatter's Mudbox software, along with Autodesk's 3D solutions. By acquiring Skymatter, Autodesk will be able to offer a more complete solution for film, television and game pipelines, as well as new workflows for other design disciplines, such as automotive and industrial design.’