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Microsoft and Sega Partner on 3D Development Tools for Saturn Platform

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Microsoft and Sega Enterprises Ltd. announced a significant partnership on January 5, 1995, with Microsoft choosing SOFTIMAGE 3D as the official 3D development tool for Sega's new Saturn game platform. As part of the agreement, Microsoft will enhance its popular SOFTIMAGE 3D animation software for the Saturn platform, and Sega will purchase a substantial number of licenses for the toolkit and include it in its official Saturn development package. This partnership underscores the growing demand for high-quality 3D tools in the gaming industry and highlights the potential of the Saturn platform.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft has chosen SOFTIMAGE 3D as the official 3D development tool for Sega's Saturn game platform, reflecting the growing demand for high-quality 3D tools in the gaming industry.
  • As part of the agreement, Microsoft will enhance its popular SOFTIMAGE 3D animation software for the Saturn platform, incorporating a set of extensions to make it easier to move output from SOFTIMAGE to the game-platform file format.
  • Sega has agreed to purchase a substantial number of licenses for the toolkit and to include the toolkit in its official Saturn development package offered to independent Saturn game developers.
  • SOFTIMAGE 3D offers a shorter learning curve and higher productivity while delivering top-quality results, making it an attractive choice for game developers.
  • The motion-capture module in SOFTIMAGE 3D enables animators to capture and closely reproduce the natural motions of people and live-action models, a key requirement for today's most popular games.

Statistics:

  • The SegaSaturn platform supports game experiences far more powerful than those provided by existing game systems, with advanced graphics capabilities and multiprocessor architecture.
  • Sega Enterprises Ltd. is a nearly $3.5 billion company, known as a leader in interactive digital entertainment media, with operations on five continents.
  • Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers, offering a wide range of products and services for business and personal use.

Sources:

  • PR Newswire, "Microsoft and Sega Enter into Partnership for Sega Saturn" (January 5, 1995).
  • Microsoft press release, "Microsoft and Sega Announce Partnership for Sega Saturn" (January 5, 1995).
  • Sega Enterprises Ltd., "Sega Saturn: The Next Generation" (1995).
  • Microsoft, "Softimage 3D: The Ultimate Tool for 3D Animation" (1995).

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