UPDATED 19:10 EST / JANUARY 17 2017

APPS

Microsoft acquires Simplygon for its ‘3D For Everyone’ plan

Microsoft Corp. said today it has acquired Simplygon, a Swedish software company developed by Donya Labs AB that specializes in 3D optimization for games, animation and other applications.

Microsoft, which didn’t disclose terms of the deal, said the purchase aligns with is “3D for Everyone” strategy, which will be a major part of the upcoming Windows 10 Creators Update, which aims to improve the tools used by animators, designers and other artists.

“Simplygon’s technology and talent will strengthen our position in 3D creation, making it easier to capture, create and share in 3D,” said Kudo Tsunoda, a vice president for Microsoft’s Windows and Devices Group. “It builds on and extends our aspirations to empower a new wave of creativity with the Windows 10 Creators Update, Paint 3D and our online creator community at Remix3D.com.”

A number of game studios use Simplygon’s software to optimize graphics performance in their games. This includes well-known games that have received praise for their stunning visuals, such as “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” “Eve Valkyrie” and the upcoming “Hellblade.” Simplygon has also gained some traction in the enterprise, with is software being used to enhance mixed reality design programs or automatically convert CAD files into augmented reality visualizations.

Simplygon’s leadership team will be joining Microsoft as part of the deal, including Chief Executive Matt Connors, Chief Technology Officer Ulrik Lindahl and co-founder Koshi Hamedi.

“Throughout our journey, we’ve been laser focused on helping developers push the boundaries of 3D,” the leadership team said in a blog post. “From our early days delivering advanced level-of-detail solutions, to the adoption of Simplygon SDK by most leading AAA game development studios, and our more recent expansion into enterprise AR/VR, Simplygon has made automatic 3D data-optimization increasingly more accessible to developers. Our next challenge is 3D For Everyone, the ultimate accessibility!”

Image courtesy of Simplygon

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