Autodesk, makers of widely-used design software such as Maya (pictured) and 3ds Max, has signed an agreement to acquire 3D tech firm Softimage from Avid Technology for $35 million, the companies announced Thursday.

The agreement puts some of the most prolific media and entertainment design software under the same roof. Softimage is responsible for 3D animation software XSI, Face Robot, Cat and the interoperability software Crosswalk.

In a video interview, Marc Stevens, VP and general manager of Softimage said that his company didn't initially intend to combine with such a major competitor as Autodesk, but broad discussions with Autodesk Media & Entertainment SVP Marc Petit led to the question, "Why not partner together to do this, rather than competing against each other? In the end, it made sense."

Stevens also said the deal took root at the beginning of the year when Avid's new executive management team "began reviewing strategic options."

He continued, "They realized that with all their other priorities they just didn't have the focus and the investment" to seriously expand further into the 3D business with Softimage.

"There's so much going on, so much being invested in this space, you gotta be in, or you gotta be out," he said.

Softimage's XSI has been used by an array of media and entertainment companies including Digital Domain, Ubisoft, Sega, Capcom, Animal Logic and The Mill.

Petit assured Softimage users that Autodesk is "completely committed" to the industry, and that Softimage has "found a new home."

He said in a statement that Autodesk will be "welcoming one of the most talented teams in the industry to Autodesk Media & Entertainment."

He added, "Both will help us accelerate the work of our Games Technology Group, as we build the next-generation of real-time, interactive 3D authoring tools for games, film and television."