Expanded Capabilities Include 3D Data Remixing; Procedural Geometry Modification

Los Angeles, CA (June 3, 2014) - Thinkbox Software today launched Stoke MX 2.0, a completely reimagined version of its plug-in for Autodesk® 3ds Max®. Stoke MX 2.0 introduces new methods of working with 3D data - including particles, fields, meshes and level sets - to produce and synthesize complex simulations quickly and with a high level of control. The addition of Genome, a procedural geometry modifier previously available as a separate product offering, to Stoke MX 2.0 provides 3ds Max users with a unique, powerful and streamlined tool. Flexible I/O ensures Stoke MX 2.0 users can easily handle data from both third party applications and legacy particle systems, while a dedicated atmospheric effect enables users to render fields in various 3ds Max renderers including Default Scanline and V-Ray.

“Stoke 2.0 gives 3ds Max users a level of control not seen before and will undoubtedly change how artists execute FX, dynamics and geometry modifications,” noted Torbjorn “Tobbe” Olsson, CG Cinematics Director, S2 Games.

“Our internal team is still uncovering all the cool things Stoke 2.0 can do; it’s an incredible tool, and the projects it’s being used on are mind-blowing. Users can essentially art direct a look that was previously only achieved by waiting for random variation,” said Chris Bond, founder, Thinkbox Software.

Key features of Stoke MX 2.0 include:

• Procedural field generation using mathematical functions, 3ds Max texture maps, geometry and particles, and volumetric data from various sources.
• History-independent and history-dependent field simulation capabilities based on node-based logic for solving advanced problems.
• Read and write functionality for industry standard volumetric data files including Dreamworks’ OpenVDB (.VDB), Sony Pictures Imageworks’ Field3D (.F3D) and Sitni Sati’s FumeFX (.FXD).
• Integration with 3ds Max sub-systems like MassFX rigid body simulations, mCloth simulations, Hair&Fur hair dynamics, FumeFX simulations, native and third party particle systems including Particle Flow and Cebas Thinking Particles, through a dedicated Stoke Field Force object.
• Direct Field data sampling from within the Genome procedural modifier, as well as new Genome operators for vertex and face iterations.
• A Stoke Field Follow operator enabling the advection and control of Particle Flow particles, including the ability to define events logic via custom selection fields.
• Integration with the 3ds Max materials system via a Stoke Field Texture map.
• Dedicated field-to-particles conversion object for integration with Thinkbox’s Krakatoa MX and Frost MX plug-ins.
• An atmospheric effect for rendering Stoke fields in any renderer that supports the 3ds Max environment effects sub-system.

Stoke MX 2.0 provides workstation licenses for interactive operation, and network simulation licenses for processing simulations on a render farm using Thinkbox Software’s Deadline network manager. Bundles of workstation and network licenses are available at a reduced cost.Existing Stoke MX 1.0 customers on active support as well as all current Genome license owners will receive an update to Stoke MX 2.0 at no additional cost. To request a 15-day evaluation license, or for more information about Stoke MX, including pricing, please call 1-866-419-0283 or visit www.thinkboxsoftware.com/sales.

About Thinkbox Software
Founded by Chris Bond in 2010, Thinkbox Software develops production-proven tools for visual artists and backs each product with highly responsive support. Used across entertainment, engineering and design, Thinkbox’s products include Deadline®high-volume data management software used to render or process files and several other artist-driven software tools to create, visualize and modify datasets for visual effects, animation and digital simulations. For more information, visit www.thinkboxsoftware.com or follow @thinkboxsoft on Twitter.