[iheartmemcache]

3DS Max definitely exists. Autodesk is still supporting them, and not as a 'oh this is just an auxiliary side project'. The breakdown (oversimplified) is Maya is more for complicated models used in animation/CGI (MEL scripting is their 'killer' tool that puts it ahead of Max), while things like architectural and game models are mostly done in 3DS Max (but theres a lot of overlay between the two, i.e., I've seen tons of work done in game modelling on Maya LT).

Speaking of which, Maya LT is not that badly priced for what you get - I have no animation ability but I've seen my friends do some incredible things with it. If you're artistically inclined, have a play. Regardless, the lack of Blender support makes me sad.

[shinymark]

All game studios I have worked at have used Maya. I do know of some that use Max but it's definitely not the case that Maya is only used outside of games.

As a side note, Maya added Python as a scripting language a while back. You can also write plugins in C++, which can be a nice way to write custom exporter code sharing engine code files for file formats and such.

[thenomad]

Hmm, interesting question whether the exporter supports Maya LT. I'd guess it does, and it's cheap (ish).