Maya 2020 review

Autodesk's powerhouse 3D software has a new update: Maya 2020.

Maya 2020
(Image: © Antony Ward)

Our Verdict

There is a lot to be excited about with this release, which sees a host of new features and improved performance, plus long-awaited Remesh and Retopology tools.

For

  • New matrix-driven rigging tools
  • Cached playback improvements
  • Remesh and retopology tools
  • Over 60 animation-related additions and updates
  • Arnold 6 with GPU rendering support

Against

  • Expensive
  • Rigging tools aren't backwards compatible

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Autodesk has released Maya 2020: the latest update on its 3D modelling, animation, visual effects and 3D rendering software. I've been using Maya for almost two decades now. I remember the days when you needed a Silicon Graphics machine to run it, which was expensive enough, but coupled with the price of a Maya licence you had to spend a small fortune. I'm not sure if the unobtainable price made it a more desirable application, but everyone I knew wanted to work with it.

Thankfully, prices dropped over the years and now Maya is much more affordable, although many still think it's too expensive, especially when compared to other applications like Blender and Cinema 4D (both of which appear, along with Maya, on our guide to the best 3D modelling software).

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The Verdict
8

out of 10

Autodesk Maya

There is a lot to be excited about with this release, which sees a host of new features and improved performance, plus long-awaited Remesh and Retopology tools.

Antony Ward

Since the early 90s, Antony has worked for many of today’s top game and VFX studios. He has written three technical manuals on Game Character Development in Maya, Game Character Development and 3D Modeling in Silo, all of which have been translated into multiple languages. He is the owner of antcgi.com, and regularly produces both written and video tutorials on technical aspects of game development and VFX.

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