Drop in 3d prog prices

[Axeface]

Hi all! I have been modeling now for around 12 years. And recently, I have noticed a huge drop in program prices. For example, I recently baught Zbrush 3, and excellent program and it only costs around £300.

I just found out about modo, another program that seems to have a huge range of features, and for $900.
In comparison to programs such as 3dsmax (5k price tag right?) these new programs are just as powerful, and available to the solo artist.

What is with this sudden, and very welcome drop in prices of these excellent programs? Is it because of a new licencing law or something? As I understand 3dsmax is only available to companies, is that right?

I'm just intrigued as to why :) I would like to know why I can now afford to buy awesome programs, when before, I had to rely on free ones, or use my university copies.

Cheers!

[inveni0]

Anyone can buy Max. I'm proof. However, they do slight discounts (like $500 bucks off) for bulk licensing.

[Buzzy]

The difference is what is included in the package. Mudbox and ZBrush are modelling-only programs. Something like RenderMan is a rendering-only program. Houdini is effects-only (although thats changing). Motion Builder is animation-only. In MAX or Maya you can model, texture, rig, animate, script, create particles, simulate physics, do advanced lighting and rendering, advanced camera effects, etc. etc. The list goes on and on. Max and Maya are full-featured programs, the 'inexpensive' ones you named are not.

[Freespace-3DT]

The Autodesk suggested retail price for 3ds Max 9 software is US $3495.
I agree it's very expensive, but it gets you all the tools you're gonna need. There's also a lot of free software out there, like Blender, for example, so you don't HAVE to pay big money to do 3d.