Animators and game development artists can check out Version 2 of New Zealand-based Character Animation Technologies’ CAT system this week. CAT Version 2 is a plug-in for Autodesk’s 3ds Max, which offers a unique set of tools to help produce better animations more quickly in a completely flexible environment.
“Since the release of CAT, we have been delighted with the uptake of the software in the animation world from game developers through to film and television production houses, with key adopters, including Relic Ent., Rainbow Studios, Relentless Software, Flagship Studios and Digital Pictures Iloura,” adds Scott Pearson, CEO of Character Animation Technologies. “For those still considering whether to move from other systems, CAT2 will seal the deal. CAT2 is not an evolution, it is a revolution into a whole new world of flexibility and power for the artist.”
CAT provides animators the flexibility of a sophisticated custom rig without the slowdown and technical complexity. Artists can create any rig configuration in minutes and save it as a preset for reuse. With the software’s procedural walkcycle system, walk sequences can now be achieved in less than an hour, and key framing is faster and more intuitive. CAT’s non-linear animation system also greatly improves flexibility and efficiency, and artists can build entire libraries of animation clips to be loaded onto any other CATRig.
CAT2 is available now for users of Autodesk 3ds Max 6 and higher at a cost of $995. Existing CAT users can upgrade to CAT2 for $295. Student/Faculty and School/Institutional pricing is also offered. CAT2 can be purchased directly from the Character Animation Technologies website at www.catoolkit.com, and through select Autodesk Resellers at www.catoolkit.com/resellers/default.asp.
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