Oct. 29, 2002 - Paris, France

For Immediate Release -
Category : e-Marketing / Applications

Munich 4D: When 3D Brings History to Life

Virtools™, market leader in the world of interactive 3D development solutions, announces the project launch of Munich 4D, a virtual visit of Munich circa 1600, 1908 and 2002, produced by Metamatix in conjunction with the following partners:

October 29, 2002- October 29, 2002 – Paris, France – With the help of the Virtools development platform, Metamatix, a German company specialized in designing sophisticated interactive 3D applications, created a virtual visit of Munich, giving users a chance to experience the old town as it stood in 1600 and 1908, as well as the modern-day city.

Realistic Graphics and Cutting-Edge Technology

With strikingly realistic graphics and innovative computer simulation, Munich 4D takes users back in time to discover the old town and its historical monuments.

With a simple mouse click, visitors wander through 3D buildings to see the sights – such as the famous church, Fraunenkirch, and the Karlplatz public square. With the fourth dimension of time integrated as part of the project, Munich 4D is a unique application.

A Partnership for Successful Production

Thanks to a partnership with Virtools and other renowned 3D design companies and software such as Autodesk, Discreet and Mensch und Maschine, Metamatix successfully developed this historically rich and captivating application.

Models of structural details from centuries past were made from archived drawings using the architectural software Autodesk. The transcription and development of the 3D environment were then created with Virtools Dev. With its intuitive graphical interface, Virtools was the ideal software for building this type of highly interactive simulation.

Online as of October, 2002 at www.muenchen4d.de, Munchen 4D will be shown at the Munich City Hall and at the Technical Forum. As of December, 2002, the project will become part of the city's historical collection at the Museum of the City of Munich.


About Metamatix™

Since the founding of the company in 2000, Metamatix has combined 3D animations design, Internet production and software development. The company prides itself on providing customers the best in consultancy skills and technical services.



About Autodesk™

Founded in 1982, Autodesk, Inc., is the world’s leading design software and digital content company. Autodesk offers solutions for professionals in building design, geographic information systems, manufacturing, digital media, and wireless data services. By delivering progressive products and services, Autodesk helps customers create, manage, use, and maximize the value of their digital data throughout the lifecycle of their projects.

About Virtools™ Dev 2.1

Virtools' revolutionary technology allows users to create interactive applications by graphically assembling behaviors in Dev 2.1's intuitive interface. Flexible and easy-to-use, Virtools' reusable "behavior building blocks" accelerate the production cycle and reduce production costs, maximizing return on investment. Developers can use a library of over 400 standard behavior building blocks or program their own behaviors in C++ with Virtools' Software Development Kit (SDK).
Specific details may be found at http://www.virtools.com.

About Virtools™

Founded in 1993, Virtools™ enables Global 2000 companies and their integrators, as well as game studios, to develop and deploy 3D applications with game-like interactivity. Costs and timeframes are kept under control through a scalable set of software and server-based solutions that reduce the risks associated with developing interactive applications.

Intel and France Telecom are among the growing number companies that have benefited from Virtools technology. Using Virtools, clients reduce development costs and increase interactivity. Virtools software is used by online and offline game development studios such as: Electronic Arts, Microids, Microsoft Ensemble Studios, Warner Bros Online, Blue Fang games and Ubisoft.

More information at: http://www.virtools.com

Press contacts

Julie Ercolani
Virtools SA
93 rue Vieille du Temple
75003 Paris
Tel: +33 1 42 71 46 86
Email: ercolani@virtools.com