Autodesk announced today their intention to create and support middleware for the PS3. Autodesk's Media and Entertainment division has supported all of Sony's previous platforms (including the PSP) with their 3ds Max professional 3D animation software. Now, the company plans on helping 3ds Max title developers who rely on Collada and simplify the development process for next generation games.

'With a long-term business relationship with SCEI, Autodesk is committed to its on-going support that will directly benefit our 3ds Max customers as they create new, imaginative film-like game titles for PlayStation 3 platform,' said Marc Petit, vice president of product development and operations, Autodesk Media and Entertainment. 'We are delivering the innovative tools and game pipeline solutions needed to help our customers realize their ideas and harness the amazing power of PlayStation 3.'

'We are excited to support SCEI and the game developers who create game titles -- as they innovate for the future of 3D entertainment,' added Petit."