Autodesk, the maker of 3D Studio Max and Maya, announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Kynogon SA, the maker of Kynapse artificial intelligence middleware.
Kynapse has been used to develop more than 65 game titles, including Alone in the Dark 5, Crackdown, Fable 2 and The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar. Kynapse gives characters spatial awareness, enabling them to realistically navigate digital environments.
"The future of videogames is about sophisticated game play, with more believable characters and environments," said Marc Petit, senior vice president, Autodesk Media & Entertainment. "Our goal is to simplify videogame development by providing cutting-edge tools to create, animate and integrate 3D assets into game engines. The acquisition of Kynogon is a key component in reaching this goal."
Petit added, "Videogame technology is the beachhead for real-time simulation applications and advanced computing. In addition to game development, Kynogon's products are being used for defense and security simulations, such as mission planning and military operations on urban terrain."
Autodesk expects the acquisition to be completed within the next three months. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions.
