Dear Autodesk

[Anonymous]

Dear Autodesk,

It's been a while since I posted my wishlist for Softimage to further grow and improve as a 3D application. Since you obviously don't pay attention to what the end users want, and since SI 2013 was a joke, I decided to make some more noise so that hopefully you might stop thinking in numbers and start thinking in an innovative manner towards your next release.

Below is a list of tools and updates that are yet to be seen:

1 - The Image Clip Viewer (Alt + 6) still has limited features. I cannot zoom in manually, pan, or resize the imported image to my liking. I'm still constrained to the limited options available from the right click menu.


2 - I still don't see a real size measurement system. Wouldn't it be nice if we had the ability to measure objects in centimeters, inches, foot, meters ...etc ? Oh right .... I forgot, 3D Max and Maya already have those features, so I just need to spend more money and purchase the Suite edition and invest more time into learning more major 3D applications. Smart move.


3 - Lattice like controls to the UV maps in the Texture Editor.


4 - A new, user friendly ICE based hair system. I'm sure that won't kill you.


5 - A real HQ view port. Seriously, what were you thinking when you released the existing HQ view port in SI 2013 ? Why waste resources on a half finished product when you could do so much more improvements to other ends ?


6 - Why do you have only 4 or 5 developers for SI ? Would it kill you to double or triple the current amount of developers ? With all the crazy prices you're charging, I'm sure you can afford to come up with a bigger budget.


7 - The implemented SI Auto rigger needs to be removed and changed completely to a more flexible rig. Why not create a new ICE based auto rigger ? Oh right, I need to do it myself. You know what, why don't I build the entire SI application for you so that I could buy it off you once it's released.


8 - I still don't get why I can't import .3ds files into SI. Especially when you're aiming to create a trio Suite solution for 3D users.


9 - How bout adding instant Gamma correction to your render previews ? This would be a huge time saver against having to wait for SI to re-render the entire subject again for a small change to the existing Gamma controllers. And no, I don't want to do it in the FX Tree, I want to do it instantly during the production phase in my veiwport.


Those are just some of my concerns. I'm sure other SI users have plenty more to say. I think 3D Max and Maya have reached good heights in the industry and have more than enough developers. I don't understand why you have to give so much attention to something that's already doing well in the market.

Why do you have to make me feel like an idiot with the ridiculous amount of money I have to put into your products through your useless subscription based pricing system ? You have SI, a glowing gem with so much potential that could revolutionize the industry and yet you give it very little attention simply because you run after numbers. How about investing more into Softimage and taking an entrepreneurial path (which I'm sure you're capable of) to further develop it. How bout giving SI half the attention that it deserves ? Or would you like me to give you some courses on how to run a business ?



Just my two cents,
3D Fanatic

[fneill]

Wow, that was sure well worded and so much needed to say. Iam just a student. Been studying for years. Maybe will pay off someday or I will just grow old rendering my 3d stuff. I took (and still do) many of the digital tutors courses on Max, Maya and Softimage. So, really I have learned so much through those courses. Softimage draws me in every time I want to do some 3D work. One word sums it up for me. INTUITIVE. Interface of course is outdated but it works. I was hoping soooooooo much for a great real time viewport renderer like Mayas 2.0 but I got sooooooooo let down. The minute I downloaded the 2013 demo suite I went right to Softimage to check out the new features. I was so excited, then bummed out. Oh well. Maybe next release Iam hoping. I remember years ago when I was first playing with XSI and got that glossy tutorial book with a complete tutorial on creating, rendering and animating a really state of the art dinosaur. That made me think this is what 3D and CGI is all about. I made the dinosaur and animated it and it looked like the one in the movies at that time. That was years ago using XSI version 4. That release was a big improvement jump at the time. XSI got better and better on the next versions. Wow, I was excited. Even with the bugs and slowwwwwww rendering I will always go to Softimage first as its fast and fun and I seem to get more done quickly over using Maya and Max. So pleaseeeeeeeeeee Autodesk dont keep Softimage as your least important product. These yearly updates are getting less and less impressive. But Iam just a humble student hobbyist so Iam not much of a professional critic at all. 😞

Dear Autodesk,

It's been a while since I posted my wishlist for Softimage to further grow and improve as a 3D application. Since you obviously don't pay attention to what the end users want, and since SI 2013 was a joke, I decided to make some more noise so that hopefully you might stop thinking in numbers and start thinking in an innovative manner towards your next release.

Below is a list of tools and updates that are yet to be seen:

1 - The Image Clip Viewer (Alt + 6) still has limited features. I cannot zoom in manually, pan, or resize the imported image to my liking. I'm still constrained to the limited options available from the right click menu.


2 - I still don't see a real size measurement system. Wouldn't it be nice if we had the ability to measure objects in centimeters, inches, foot, meters ...etc ? Oh right .... I forgot, 3D Max and Maya already have those features, so I just need to spend more money and purchase the Suite edition and invest more time into learning more major 3D applications. Smart move.


3 - Lattice like controls to the UV maps in the Texture Editor.


4 - A new, user friendly ICE based hair system. I'm sure that won't kill you.


5 - A real HQ view port. Seriously, what were you thinking when you released the existing HQ view port in SI 2013 ? Why waste resources on a half finished product when you could do so much more improvements to other ends ?


6 - Why do you have only 4 or 5 developers for SI ? Would it kill you to double or triple the current amount of developers ? With all the crazy prices you're charging, I'm sure you can afford to come up with a bigger budget.


7 - The implemented SI Auto rigger needs to be removed and changed completely to a more flexible rig. Why not create a new ICE based auto rigger ? Oh right, I need to do it myself. You know what, why don't I build the entire SI application for you so that I could buy it off you once it's released.


8 - I still don't get why I can't import .3ds files into SI. Especially when you're aiming to create a trio Suite solution for 3D users.


9 - How bout adding instant Gamma correction to your render previews ? This would be a huge time saver against having to wait for SI to re-render the entire subject again for a small change to the existing Gamma controllers. And no, I don't want to do it in the FX Tree, I want to do it instantly during the production phase in my veiwport.


Those are just some of my concerns. I'm sure other SI users have plenty more to say. I think 3D Max and Maya have reached good heights in the industry and have more than enough developers. I don't understand why you have to give so much attention to something that's already doing well in the market.

Why do you have to make me feel like an idiot with the ridiculous amount of money I have to put into your products through your useless subscription based pricing system ? You have SI, a glowing gem with so much potential that could revolutionize the industry and yet you give it very little attention simply because you run after numbers. How about investing more into Softimage and taking an entrepreneurial path (which I'm sure you're capable of) to further develop it. How bout giving SI half the attention that it deserves ? Or would you like me to give you some courses on how to run a business ?



Just my two cents,
3D Fanatic

[A.Baroody]

The default character rig in SI is just too old, and too flakey. The community has come up with a few rigging tools to replace it, that are so much better. Look them up, especially Studio Nest's Gear, Exocortex Species, and others. They're out there, and they're far better.

I agree XSI should have better auto rigging features. All the tools for great rigs are pretty much in softimage, but some improved automation would be great.

Studio Nest Gear, and Exocortex Species are really useful tools. There are others as well.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I'm aware of the auto rigs provided by the community.

Gear practically ruined Softimage for me and nothing I did was able to fix it. After exhausting all options, I was forced to reinstall Windows to start fresh. So I'm not spending half my life trying to figure out how to install Gear.

As for Species, I'm jobless and practically counting pennies. I don't have $300 to spend.

It's all about the lack of convenience for SI users.

[Anonymous]

yes that was a really joke.

[Anonymous]

Anyone having trouble installing Gear? It takes a few steps, but it's a powerful system once you get it working. Creating bullet proof rigs is tricky, and creating bullet proof autorigging systems is even more difficult. Believe me, Jeremie has done a bang up job with his, especially considering it's free. Give it a try and if you have any troubles, let me know. I'm having my students use it and we're amazed constantly with its rugged reliability. Once you make a few rigs on your own (which I encourage everyone to do) you will understand and be able to use this system much more effectively.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I agree with you Gear is quite powerful but I had trouble installing it and the python installation went wrong and practically ruined Softimage. I tried uninstalling then reinstalling both, SI and python and after exhausting all options, I found myself having to reinstall Windows. Since it's not exactly convenient to set it up, I had to stick with Masashi Yamaguchi's myRig.

myRig is amazing, almost bullet proof, but animating more than one character unfortunately brings myRig to shame. I would prefer to use Species to be honest, but I'm practically counting pennies and can't afford to buy it at the moment.

[Vokteu]

You posted this thread everywhere and while i think you have a point on many of those, you should edit the 6th. Its simple misinformation. There are more devs on Softimage than you seem to believe.

[Vokteu]

Sorry, but i find it hard to believe a plugin ruined your system by itself.

Having to reinstall windows to fix up the problems can only mean you messed up system variables. You need to be careful with those but if you are, i think you'll have gear up and running in no time at all.

Cheers,
Vokteu

[RooftopAnimation]

Hi all,

I've been considering Softimage for our company, and while I've gotten some positive feedback, I've now read some quite negative things in terms of development.

I've been a Maya user for over 4 years now and I must say that it's a misconception that AD's other software is being treated with more or less attention. You may see videos and read about the new features, but once you try it for yourself, you may be left with a different feeling. I think that Max, Maya and Softimage all receive the same amount of attention and you'll find the same sort of gripes from each community - dissappoint with the yearly release.

Subscription promises a lot, but many feel it's a waste. If we take a look at a product like ZBrush, most of there updates are free, and those updates are a big deal with that program.

I don't know how AD sets it's goals, but their goals should be more important than a release date.

It would be great if we could boycott a product to get the attention of big wigs, but we rely on the software to make a living and we don't want to get left behind with development.

Looking at Blender, that open-source piece of software. The users are actually aware of what areas are being developed and how it's progressing and they're able to give input and make suggestions. AD has a huge user base and it would be difficult to administrate suggestion emails. Maybe having some polling system that has choices of focus could get sent out via email.

Regards,
Rooftop

[Anonymous]

It wasn't Gear that messed up my system. It was the installation of Python which was part of the Gear installation that ruined my system. I dunno what I did wrong and I'm not an IT wiz. Hope that clear's things up.

[Anonymous]

Hi Rooftop,

Don't misunderstand my negative comments on the 2013 release. Softimage is very powerful, and compared to Maya it can get the work done in almost less than half the time. But I feel like it's not been given the attention that it deserves and I'm always seeing so many solutions being provided for Maya. It get's frustrating is all I'm saying. Softimage is strong, solid and the least crashing 3D application I've seen out of all 3, Maya Softimage and 3D Max.

I think you're making a very good choice with SI, but I'm just tired of how AD is treating it.

[RooftopAnimation]

Hi 3D-Fanatic,

Seems there is hope yet. If Softimage is indeed not receiving due attention, I could only assume it's because of the smaller user-base, but that would be just unfair. AD bought Softimage and they should treat it with the same passion the original developers had for it.

[Anonymous]

Doesn't help the situation that a large chunk of the accomplished development team left to work on Maya.

[Vokteu]

When the user is frustrated by AD product, its usually justified. Some complaints can go overboard, though.

1 The Image Clip Viewer is an awesome little window that allows you to display an image or a sequence inside Softimage. For example, its used here by animators to display their 2D animations because it respects the timeframe. You would have to setup an image plane in maya for this... However, knowing how many free and high quality image viewing applications are out there, limited functions of an Image Clip Viewer are hardly something softimage developers need to worry about. Just as the netview is not its own browser but an interface build on top of IE... Would you expect Softimage to develop and maintain a modern browser of its own? No.

2 Indeed. One good thing about SI units is they are consistent throughout the application, so the rule 1SIunit = 10cm applies everywhere.

3 UV tools do need some love. In the meantime you can use this:
http://vimeo.com/20601356
http://xb1080.blog105.fc2.com/blog-entry-97.html

4,5 Valid points.

6 False assumptions.

7 GEAR is an excellent production ready solution, and while installation is not a simple drag&drop process, it hardly requires you to be an IT wiz. Author even said he is developing second version that'll include facial rigging tools as well. And its free. I think its well worth the trouble.

8 Legacy format. Use Autodesk's own FBX converter if your client provides you with this files.

9 On other forums you have received some useful instructions on how to approach the linear workflow properly, but it seems to me that you just want some color correction control inside render preview window. Something like what modo has, perhaps? If thats the case, than you have a point, SI does not come with those features.

[bigdaz]

My wish would be indie-friendly product and pricing. There's a big indie market out there and I'd love to see Softimage become the favourite. A Foundation-style product around the $500 mark could be a real hit.

Re-branding Softimage as an entry-level product would give it some sort of point too. Instead of being Max and Maya's ugly sister. Face Robot and ICE are all very well but promoting SI as an optional extra in a suite seems to undermine it.

[willi_soulcage]

we are using now softimage since version 6.5 at our studio...and it didnt become better since autodesk bought it.
i fully agree that the rigging tools didnt develop since v6.5
also the hairsystem didnt develop. hair dynamics ist also useless.

gear become a time saver for us. its very flexible and robust.

for our last job we had massive problems using referenced models. it was a nightmare to use it. half of the production time we were solving bugs....this tool is USELESS DEAR AUTODESK!!!
(in maya, referencing works, why not in SI????)

also rendering with mental ray is a horror, but this would completely fill another thread....

[Anonymous]

Motion-Capturing for 3ds max with the Kinect - free
Kinemocap - 99€

what the Hell!!

Does Autodesk make Softimage for Whom?
Maya users?
Max users?
plug-in developers?
You should make Softimage for "softimage users!!!"
softimage users are diying...
and than softimage must slowy die in near future!

[Bellsey]

I don't understand what you mean what your point it

Kinemocap is a 3rd Party plugin for Softimage, Autodesk don't own or control it.

You can still use the Brekel technology to motion capture with the connect that you can live link to Motionbuilder, or output BVH files that can easily be imported into Softimage or Max.

Softimage is still be made for anyone who wants to use it and users aren't dying either:
http://area.autodesk.com/blogs/graham/people-will-come

[ConnorKaratzas]

Yes, I couldn't agree more. Softimage needs help in multiple areas, and Autodesk is ignoring a ton of easy fixes. When i first read your post I was shocked to see that so many of your problems reflect the ones I'm having with SI. Anyhow, thanks for expressing yourself, it's nice to know that someone other that myself thinks Autodesk it acting like a bunch of idiots.