July 31, 2017

New Massive Prime Version 9.0 Introduces Universal Plugin; Allows Compatibility with all Major 3D Software

Features an Improved Workflow for Creating Crowds, Expanded Shading Options and More; Debuts at SIGGRAPH 2017

SIGGRAPH 2017, Anaheim, CA – July 31, 2017 – Massive, makers of the Academy Award-winning crowd simulation software Massive Prime, today announced the upcoming release of Massive Prime Version 9.0. The new version of this industry-leading simulation tool will add several features, including an all new universal plugin that will allow nearly any third-party vendor, 3D animation tool, or rendering application to implement their own Massive support.

For years now, Massive has received countless requests to support various animation and rendering applications, each having unique requirements and file format demands. In response, Version 9.0 introduces the universal plugin as a way to allow all third party software vendors or post production studios the ability to render Massive’s AI-controlled agents, or make them appear in the viewport of the host software.

“Every year we receive multiple requests to support various animation and rendering applications,” said Stephen Regelous, Massive’s CEO and founder. “We want to make it easy for anyone to utilize Massive’s tools which is why we decided to make a straightforward ‘universal’ plugin that would allow Massive agents to appear in renders, or even directly in software viewports.”

Along with the universal plugin, Version 9.0 will include a new shader network feature that allows users to import, edit or build shading networks directly within Massive. When importing a shading network from a third-party tool, such Autodesk Maya or 3ds Max, these networks will look and function the same in Massive, enabling artists to continue to edit and improve an agent’s look without interrupting their workflow.

In a nod to the architectural visualization market, Version 9.0 will also introduce a new option called “Lanes as Generators.” In current iterations of Massive’s software, artists can assign a lane for agents to follow, but they must also include separate generators to tell the agents where to appear and what geometry they occupy in the simulation. “Lanes as Generators” combines these two features, simplifying the artist’s process, and offering new crowd movement options, including a convenient way to incorporate escalators and travelators.

These new features found in Version 9.0, together with recent introductions like the Massive Parts Library and the Ready to Run Agents, make designing crowd simulations easier than ever. All updates introduced to Version 9.0 will be applied to both Massive for Maya and Massive for Max as well, at no additional charge.

Pricing/Availability

Massive for Max is available for $595/quarter or $1995/year, and includes the Ambient Agent and one-year of maintenance. Massive for Maya can be purchased for US $3,500, including the Ambient Agent and maintenance for one year. Massive Prime is USD $16,000, which includes one year of maintenance and support. Customers who purchased Massive within one-year year of Version 9.0 release will receive the new software at no additional cost. A 30-day free trial of Massive is available upon request.

About Massive

Massive makes 3D crowd simulation software for professional film, broadcast, and architectural visualization artists. Developed by Stephen Regelous for the Oscar-winning Lord of the Rings trilogy, Massive allows artists to populate complex scenes with editable agents. Using artificial intelligence, these Agents save artist’s time by ensuring that complicated shots can be created quickly. Massive’s list of clients includes the most prominent VFX studios in the world, including WETA Digital, The Mill, Digital Domain, Iloura, and Cinesite.