Autodesk/Epic Games deal

CARY, NC, December 16, 2008 — Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) and Epic Games, Inc. today announced that Autodesk has become a member of Epic Games’ Integrated Partners Program (IPP). This has allowed Autodesk to integrate its Autodesk HumanIK animation middleware with Epic’s Unreal Engine 3 (UE3). Kynapse artificial intelligence (AI) middleware was also previously integrated with UE3. Publishers and developers licensing this game engine now have access to a production-ready solution for dynamic in-game character animation, as well as 3D navigation and spatial reasoning.

"Epic constantly pushes the technology behind Unreal Engine 3, and working with renowned partners like Autodesk is critical to providing our licensees with best in class development tools," said Dr. Michael Capps, president of Epic Games. "Autodesk is a leader in 3D design software for games, and we are pleased to welcome them to the Integrated Partners Program."

“Autodesk is working to help game designers create the most realistic characters possible,” said Michel Kripalani, director of business development, Games Technology Group at Autodesk. “Believable characters have life-like movement and can navigate their environments intelligently. Integrating HumanIK, along with Kynapse, into UE3 makes it much easier for publishers and developers to achieve this level of realism, which is demanded by gamers today.”

Optimized for next-generation platforms, Autodesk HumanIK middleware consists of a run-time, full-body inverse kinematics (IK) solver, as well as a run-time retargeting engine for characters of differing size, proportions and skeletal hierarchy. HumanIK allows animators and game designers to alter animations on the fly, letting characters interact dynamically and realistically with their environments. HumanIK has been licensed for several titles including Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed, as well as Electronic Arts’ DEF JAM: ICON™, FIFA Soccer 07 and NBA STREET Homecourt.

Autodesk Kynapse is a world leading AI solution for game development and real-time simulations. Designed to give nonplayer characters (NPCs) spatial awareness so that they can realistically navigate digital environments, this high-performance engine supports dynamic 3D pathfinding, 3D topology analysis, and team coordination. Additional advanced pathfinding capabilities include dynamic environment evaluation and support for large-crowd pathfinding in complex terrains. Kynapse has been adopted for more than 70 AAA titles.

Epic Games' Integrated Partners Program establishes a formal business relationship with exceptional companies making cross-platform technologies which integrate with, and are complementary to, UE3. Under the IPP, Epic provides continuous UE3 source code access and full technical support to IPP members. Companies who join the IPP agree to provide a high level of technical support for UE3 licensees through Epic's established support channels, keep their implementations up-to-date with the latest engine versions and collaborate with Epic on potential promotional and co-marketing efforts.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc. is the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art Digital Prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.

About Unreal Engine 3

The award-winning Unreal Engine is known for cutting-edge graphics and its best-of-breed toolset. Unreal Engine 3 maintains those features while adding massive world support, multi-processor support, next-generation console optimizations, and one of the most mature tool pipelines in the industry. Unreal Engine 3's advanced toolset is designed specifically to accelerate developers' productivity for ultra-complex, next-generation content. Additional information on Unreal Engine can be obtained through the Unreal Technology Web site at www.unrealtechnology.com.

About Epic Games

Epic Games, Inc., based in Cary, NC and established in 1991, develops cutting-edge games and cross-platform game engine technology. The company has created multiple million-selling, award-winning titles in its “Unreal” series, most recently shipping “Unreal Tournament 3” for PC, PLAYSTATION®3 and Xbox 360®. Epic’s breakthrough game, “Gears of War,” sold 5 million copies and won over 30 Game of the Year awards. “Gears of War 2” was released on Nov. 7, 2008, and sold over 2 million units in its first weekend at retail. Epic's Unreal Engine 3 is the current holder and three-time consecutive winner of Game Developer magazine’s Best Engine Front Line Award. Additional information about Epic can be obtained through the Epic Games Web site at www.epicgames.com.

Autodesk, AutoCAD, HumanIK and Kynapse are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

© 2008 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved

Epic, Epic Games, Gears of War, Gears of War 2, Unreal, Unreal Engine and Unreal Tournament are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Epic Games, Inc., in the United States of America and/or elsewhere.

Electronic Arts is a trademarks or registered trademark of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Def Jam®, Def Jam Icon™, and all associated trademarks and logos are used under license from DJR Holdings, LLC and Simcoh, LLC. NBA is a trademark of NBA Properties, Inc. and may not be used, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of NBA Properties, Inc. WNBA is a trademark of WNBA Enterprises, LLC and may not be used, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of WNBA Enterprises, LLC. FIFA 07 is an Official FIFA licensed product. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

DEF JAM: ICON is rated “M” (Mature), with descriptors, Blood, Strong Lyrics, Violence by the ESRB.

NBA STREET Homecourt is rated “E” (Everyone) by the ESRB.

FIFA Soccer 07 is rated “E” (Everyone) by the ESRB.

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