Maya now Free for Personal Use

TeknoBilim writes "Alias announced today that their leading software, Maya has become a free download for non-commercial applications. Thanks a lot, Alias. Now I can record the video for my next game. :)" This makes me wish I had talent. At least now I (and many like me) won't have to pay any money just to dabble with Maya.

Comments

Hasn't there always been a learning edition?

[DJayC]

I've had the watermarked version for quite some time. I don't think this is anything new. I checked out the link and this seems to be the same "learning edition" they've been offering. Did I miss something?

Linux Version?

[gmuslera]

What happened with the linux version? AFAIK Maya have a version for Linux, but don't seem to be included in the "for free" offer.

Re:almost every feature

[_xeno_]

The two most important features you lose in the PLE is the ability to save "professional" Maya files and the ability to use plugins. (Mind you there was a deal with UT2003, so you did get the UT2003 plugin with the PLE included through that. That's where this information comes through, my playing with the PLE included with UT2003. You can't use "professional" plugins and I don't think it's possible to write any new ones without some deal with Alias, but I'm not 100% sure.)

I think some other features are missing too, but those are the two biggest that I can remember seeing. The other biggest "feature" you lose is the ability to render without a "watermark" or to model without a "watermark" on the screen at all times.

Basically, this edition is exactly what it says it is: a version for learning Maya on. It's "shareware" in the commercial world - try it before you decide to buy it. Learn on it and then convince your boss to buy it, I guess.

Another Idea:

[ciaran_o_riordan]

It will pay off. They're giving away nothing substantial - it's a crippled piece of software, and in return they'll get publicity from the watermarking, and more users because people can learn Maya at home now.

Tinkering with an array of apps is cool, but I'd tinker with Blender instead of this piece of cripple-ware. Blender is Free Software (GPL), so you get the full version, no loaded marketing tactics. It works on all major platforms (M$, GNU, MAC, and others).

The diference between Maya and Blender, is that you can give someone a complete copy of Blender, rather than just recommending it. OpenOffice.org is a similarly cool thing to give to people. M$ users always think there must be a catch :)

Ciaran O'Riordan

Re:There is only one problem with that

[MisterFancypants]

Talented people don't care what tool they use. Sorry :(

Even talented people like to use applications with actual undo/redo, which Blender does not have.

Re:Except for the fact that...

[morzel]

thus making it useless for indie game development.

That must be why it's called the "Personal Learning Edition"...
It's there to allow you to play and learn with Maya, not for developing any kind of product (including indie/free stuff).

Re:Useless? no, TRY PRICLESS. My industry perspect

[Wolfier]

You know what? When you buy the licensed version, I bet you can just reopen the file you have saved.

As far as I know the watermark is dynamically created everytime you render, NOT in the Maya scene description files themselves - otherwise you can edit them away easily, because it's format is so well understood.

So your concern is a non-concern.

Non-commercial applications...

[stickyc]

"Alias announced today that their leading software, Maya has become a free download for non-commercial applications. Thanks a lot, Alias. Now I can record the video for my next game. :)"

So you'll be giving your game away free, right? Lets try not to bite the hand that feeds too publically, lest they take it back, eh.