Autodesk continues to grow by acquiring Illuminate Labs

Computer graphics software giant Autodesk has done it again: they’ve gained yet another awesome feather in their cap, which is looking like a multi-colored Native American chieftain’s hat as it is. Their latest acquisition is the Sweden-based Illuminate Labs, makers of lighting technology that lends itself well to game development.

This acquisition brings Illuminate’s chief products, Beäst and Turtle, into Autodesk’s impressive lineup. Illuminate Labs focuses on lighting solutions for gaming in order to boost a game’s visual impact through in-game lighting, while helping to make the game development process more streamlined with more efficient workflows.

Turtle is a plug-in for Autodesk’s own Maya 3D animation, effects, and compositing software—making it a perfect fit for Autodesk to put into use. What used to be an independent product will be incorporated into future Autodesk offerings. Illuminate Labs’ other product, Beäst, will remain a standalone product. Beäst is a content pipeline tool used for advanced global illumination and dynamic relighting of characters for games. Beäst is particularly useful in that it is game engine-independent, thus maintaining project flexibility.

This move by Autodesk will certainly help make advanced lighting technology more readily available for game development studios. Good quality lighting in current and next-gen games is important to set the mood of the game. Lighting is a somewhat under-appreciated aspect that goes into creating an impressive and emotionally responsive environment for gamers to experience. When game developers use advanced tools such as these, gamers benefit as well.

Marc Stevens, VP Games, Autodesk Media & Entertainment, explains the significance of lighting as well: “Advanced lighting solutions help game developers achieve their aesthetic goals, enhancing the game’s design and story. Lighting brings games to life by defining environments, establishing mood, creating atmosphere and guiding players. Illuminate Labs’ lighting technology and workflow tailored to game development are some of the most advanced in the industry. They complement Autodesk’s games middleware offering.”