I figured this would be of interest to some and that this'd be a good place to announce it.

http://www.daz3d.com/

I've never used it, so I don't know how it compares to the free stuff we're used to. But since it's free today, no reason to not get a copy of it and check it out.

just in case it's not clear from the title, this is a "design suite" of software (from my view, that's just what I'm calling it) that has some animation, landscape, and modeling tools

I didn't have time to do anything with this stuff this morning as I just got the email and had time enough to make an account. I had a bit of free time and went through and "bought" stuff from the catalog (all free) and it shows the downloads have an expiration of the 8th. So it looks like I've got 5 days to download them before they expire, but if what noghri says below is correct, the promotion is available for all of this month.

edit: some posts from users below that warrant being read

in response to "why are they doing this?" jog nicely sums up the most probable answer

I've used Bryce before and is a good program to sculpt terrrains and export as heightmaps, very usefull for Skyrim modding, the other two never used.

Forgive the language, but they're *u**ing crazy! Still, if they're suffering temporary madness, might as well take advantage!

It's more like they're crazy nice. The real question is, how many notice that in 24 hours, and it really give them PR

What's one more internet account when you save $800. Downloading, huzzah!

O_O Are they time limited or with any other constraints(ie saved file size)?

Because that's crazy!!!

Well, I'll take them and see what is like being a modeller. Everything has a beginning, right? Right? Thanks for sharing this!

From what I see it's the real deala, except for the price In other words, it is exactly as if you had paid the full price!!!

THIS IS MADNESS!!! Madness? This. Is. AWESOME!

no srsly, what are they thinking? it doesnt make sense at all...

nice find anything free is good

It's not as crazy as one may think. Money is made from companies, not hobbyists. And companies tend to use the software their employees are most familiar with. Currently this is Maya + 3DMax. Not knowing to use these as a 3D artist is like applying for a job as a secretary and not knowing how to start Word.

With such actions they are courting the next generation of 3D artists, but since you can get trial versions of Maya and Max just by claiming to be a graphic design student , this may not really work out.

Perhaps there is an anniversary of some sort, or they've just done so well that they felt like they could afford to give it away for one day. It's good PR

I'm looking forward to playing with these later. I can't believe they made it FREE. WOW.

I am a PC member of DAZ, have been for the last 8 years. They have always given these softwares away for next to nothing when they release new versions of the them. Sometimes free, sometimes greatly reduced.
Also these are free for the whole month of February not just a day!!!!

Does this mean it will stop working at the end of the month, or what?

Not at all, they are genuine serial numbers with them. The downloadable exe.s are the same codes as what i have. and the serial numbers normaly end with a trial code if you download a trial and these dont.

Thanks for clarifying.

This is the actual forum post at DAZ FREE 3D Software Suite

DAZ is announcing the immediate limited-time availability of a FREE 3D Software Suite
including the full retail versions of DAZ Studio 4 Pro, Bryce 7 Pro and Hexagon 2.5

The availability of these extremely popular tools for free will allow an even larger number of customers to enjoy the benefits of creating their own 3D art and animations without a significant financial investment. Current customers can feel confident in sharing this opportunity with family and friends.

DAZ 3D is offering the following 3D products for free:

http://www.daz3d.com/i/shop/itemdetails/?item=13176 (Including Genesis, winner of 3D World’s 2011 Software Innovation of the Year Award) : Retail $429.95

http://www.daz3d.com/i/3d-models/-/bryce-7-pro?item=11034Landscape and Animation Software: Retail $249.95

http://www.daz3d.com/i/shop/itemdetails/?item=42223D Modeling Software: Retail $149.95

3D Photoshop Bridge: Retail $199.00 (Included with DAZ Studio 4 Pro)

Noghri as you are more experiences with those products, do you know how I can export an heightmap in size bigger than 512x512?

Very nice of them. I've been through the checkout, does anyone know if I need to download them today or if now I've "paid" for them they're mine?

Thanks, this sounds really cool, i'll try it out

On my download list Download
Expiration Tries

02/08/2012
4
.

Got to say this is awesome thanks claudekennilolIf and DAZ3D if I make anything that I publish using tools will get credit on front page of any mod I make with it.

You Normally get 4 days to download, but you can always reset the download at any time. as long as you are a member.

This thread consists of bots, the OP, and myself.

Wonder if it can handle NIFs or if a plug in has been created that supporst import/export functions for Skyrim. If so, they may have a convert. It looks almost like a scaled down version of the 3DS Max Interface so it probably is pretty good.