Autodesk, the makers of 3D Studio Max has acquired Alias, the makers of Maya for $182 million in cash.  For those of you who thought that 3D Studio Max was made by Discreet, well, Autodesk now owns Discreet so in effect, the 3D modeling software market is under control by Autodesk.

Most 3D modeling that you see in movies, TV, and games is done using either Maya or 3D Studio Max.  This concentration of market power by a single company in such a key market has many designers and artists quite nervous.

"What about the cost of both products?" said Scott Tykoski, a 3D graphics designer at Stardock. "These are expensive products today when there's competition, what about in the future? Are we going to be paying $12,000 base cost for these programs in a year?"

According to Autodesk, the product release schedule for both products will continue into the foreseeable future without modification.  The two companies will continue to exist and market and sell both Maya and 3D Studio Max for the near future.

What the actual effect on development of both products now that competition between the two is gone remains to be seen.  This story is still developing..

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