I got my introduction to Maya in 1998 at around version 2 if memory serves me right. While it is true that it shipped with some polygon tools they were quite ba

I got my introduction to Maya in 1998 at around version 2 if memory serves me right. While it is true that it shipped with some polygon tools they were quite basic and quite subpar when compared to other DCC tools available at the time. I remember when the "edge loop" tool was finally introduced after it had been on 3D Studio Max for ages. The silver lining was MEL which technical artists could use to code up their own tools . This is probably what Naughty Dog ended up doing in the example you provided. Those guys truly broke a lot of new ground with the severe limitations of the tech at the time.