Autodesk acquires Kynogon
ConvergenceAsia staff
20/02/2008

Autodesk, global provider of 2D and 3D design software, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Kynogon, the privately held maker of Kynapse artificial intelligence middleware.

Kynogon develops and markets Kynapse, a unique artificial intelligence engine used by the world's leading game developers such as Electronic Arts, Activision, Bethesda Softworks, Lionhead Studios, Midway, Real Time Worlds, SEGA, Sony Online Entertainment, Spark Unlimited, THQ and Turbine, for the development of their AAA titles.

“The future of videogames is about sophisticated game play, with more believable characters and environments,” said Marc Petit, senior vice president, Autodesk Media & Entertainment.

Kynapse gives characters spatial awareness, enabling them to realistically navigate digital environments. Kynapse has been used to develop more than 65 AAA game titles, including Alone in the Dark 5, Crackdown, Fable 2 and The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar.

“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.

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