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/.

About Softimage Co.
Softimage is a part of Avid Technology, Inc., and develops leading-edge 3D technology used in customer-centric solutions that enable professionals in the games, film and television industry to realize their creative vision. Award-winning feature films, television productions and top-selling video games are made using Softimage software. Its flagship product, SOFTIMAGE|XSI, is an extensible 3D animation software solution built on the most modern architecture in the industry and is used by leading media and entertainment companies such as Digital Domain, SEGA Corporation, CAPCOM, Animal Logic, and The Mill. Other solutions from Softimage include: SOFTIMAGE|FACE ROBOT®, lifelike facial animation software; SOFTIMAGE|CAT™, a complete character animation plug-in; and SOFTIMAGE Alienbrain®, a digital asset management solution for artists;  For more information about Softimage, visit www.softimage.com.

About Avid Technology, Inc.
Avid is a worldwide leader in tools for film, video, audio, 3D animation, gaming and broadcast professionals – as well as for home audio and video enthusiasts. Avid professional and consumer brands include Avid®, Digidesign®, M-Audio®, Pinnacle Systems®, Sibelius®, Softimage® and Sundance Digital®. The vast majority of primetime television shows, feature films, commercials and chart-topping music hits are made using one or more Avid products. Whether used by seasoned professionals or beginning students, Avid’s products and services enable customers to work more efficiently, productively and creatively. Avid received an Oscar® statuette representing the 1998 Scientific and Technical Award for the concept, design, and engineering of the Avid® Film Composer® system for motion picture editing. For more information about the company’s Oscar, Grammy® and Emmy® award-winning products and services, visit www.avid.com.

© 2008 Avid Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Product features, specifications, system requirements, and availability are subject to change without notice. Promotions and discounts are subject to availability and change without notice. Avid, Digidesign, Film Composer, M-Audio, Pinnacle Systems, Sibelius, Sundance Digital, Softimage, Face Robot, and XSI are trademarks or registered trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. Oscar is a trademark and service mark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Emmy is a registered trademark of ATAS/NATAS. Grammy is a trademark of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Inc. mental ray is a registered trademark of mental images GmbH in the USA and other countries. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.