Softimage and Develop Magazine Launch ‘Incubator’ to Springboard Start-Up Game Developers Program designed to ease financial burden of entering the game development market with special access to SOFTIMAGE|XSI professional 3D modeling, animation, rendering software

MONTRÉAL, Québec, June 13, 2008 – Softimage Co., a subsidiary of Avid Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVID), today announced its new ‘Incubator’ Program trial in partnership with Develop Magazine. The Softimage Incubator Program will give approved game developer applicants access to SOFTIMAGE®|XSI® 3D software at zero cost during the first year of start-up, with an easy transition to fixed quarterly payments for the remaining two years of the program’s three year term. By removing the financial barriers of entry for game developers, this program allows start-up companies to preserve cash flow, and keep energies focused on the creative process.

The Softimage Incubator program is targeted primarily at the rapidly expanding casual game space and will offer developers who have great gaming ideas a way to start up with less front-end financial investment on their software tools. The powerful game-centric features and open connected workflows in SOFTIMAGE|XSI software used by successful game companies such as Lionhead Studios, Pandemic, CAPCOM, SEGA® Corporation, and Crytek, will equip start-up game developers with the creative tools they need to bring their ideas to market quickly.

“With the wider availability of enabling technologies and better access to distribution, the opportunities for independent game development is growing at a record pace,“ said Marc Stevens, general manager of Softimage and vice president of Avid Technology. “The Incubator Program enables upcoming talent in the industry to develop their game ideas and showcase their creativity without the typical financial hurdles. Flexible financing is just one of the latest additions to a suite of products and services designed to meet the needs of a quickly evolving industry.”

”The Incubator program is interesting as it provides an incentive for independent and first–time game developers to run with their ideas and start up their own businesses,” said Michael French, editor at Develop Magazine and executive editor of CasualGaming.biz. “We look forward to working with Softimage on this pilot project and tracking the progress of the selected candidates as they progress through the travails of a startup.”

Applying to the Softimage Incubator Program:
Softimage is accepting applications for the Incubator Program Trial immediately. Application closes on July 1, 2008. All applicants must be registered as a business with a project concept by July 1st. For all details, terms and conditions visit: http://www.softimage.com/incubator/