No doubt about it, gmax is a gamepack oriented software that has held it's own through the years since it's creation in the early 2000's.
If you Google
gmax 1.2 you will see a community of thousand of content creators still out there creating cool things.
The limitations of lack of method for creating normal mapping has been overcome by powerful graphics software.
Texture mapping is also a challenge, made easier in 3ds Max.
Blender has evolved into a freeware dream for those that wish to use Blender.
Yes, gmax is still available and will be for quite awhile
No matter what freeware program is used, the successful content creators eventually wind up with 3ds Max
I am definitely thankful that Planet Auran invested in the creation of the Trainz Asset Creation Studio and selected Autodesk/Discreet gmax. :wave: