Autodesk to Acquire AI Middleware Developer

Company plans to purchase Kynogon, the privately held maker of Kynapse artificial intelligence (AI) middleware for video game developers.

Kynapse reportedly has been used to develop more than 65 AAA game titles, including Alone in the Dark 5, Crackdown, Fable 2, and The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar. Kynapse gives characters spatial awareness, enabling them to realistically navigate digital environments.

"The future of video games is about sophisticated game play, with more believable characters and environments," said Marc Petit, senior vice-president, Autodesk Media & Entertainment. "Our goal is to simplify video game development by providing cutting-edge tools to create, animate, and integrate 3D assets into game engines. The acquisition of Kynogon is a key component in reaching this goal.

"Videogame technology is the beachhead for real-time simulation applications and advanced computing," added Petit. "In addition to game development, Kynogon's products are being used for defense and security simulations, such as mission planning and military operations on urban terrain."

Autodesk states that it expects the acquisition to be completed within the next three months.