Autodesk, Inc. today
announced Autodesk MotionBuilder 7.5 character animation software. Designed
to tackle the challenges of working with motion capture, the software
features real-time productivity tools to realize ideas for sophisticated 3D
characters in next-generation game pipelines. Autodesk MotionBuilder caters
to a broad range of users, from independent digital artists to large-scale
production studios.
Autodesk MotionBuilder is part of Autodesk's comprehensive 3D animation
portfolio, which also includes the Autodesk 3ds Max, Maya, HumanIK and FBX
products. With clients such as Epic Games, Sony Computer Entertainment
Japan and Ubisoft, MotionBuilder is setting the standard for high-volume
character animation pipelines.
"In the development of our third-person adventure game Siren 2,
MotionBuilder was used for motion capture editing, and also as a critical
component of the animation creation pipeline," said Takafumi Fujisawa,
executive producer of Sony Computer Entertainment Japan. "MotionBuilder
dramatically increased our productivity as a result of its core real-time
technology. The software's integrated character performance tools, smooth
connectivity between other popular 3D applications and instant scene
playback drive efficiency. Now, MotionBuilder will play an even bigger
role in the production of Sony Computer Entertainment's next-generation
games."
Key New Features in Autodesk MotionBuilder 7.5
MotionBuilder software includes real-time architecture, animation layering,
a unified Story Timeline development environment, instant retargeting of
animation data, the ability to stream and record live device data, and
integration into Autodesk 3ds Max and Maya workflows. Key additions to
MotionBuilder 7.5 are:
– New keyframe-centric workflows that streamline the process of keyframe
animation, including advanced editing of animation from within the
timeline, a re-architected Undo system and enhanced posing and mirroring of
character extensions
– Increased interoperability with content creation applications such as
Autodesk 3ds Max and Maya
– Quicker setup and animation of a wider range of character types (such as
birds and dinosaurs) with inverse knee and elbow support for
non-traditional characters
– Easy transfer of mirrored poses of one character extension to another
– Fast setup of complex multiple character interactions, allowing for
advanced manipulation and animation of characters that have
interdependencies between their full body rigs. This is particularly useful
for fighting, wrestling, prop-handling, and other instances where multiple
characters and props need to be manipulated in unison
Renowned game developer Ubisoft beta-tested Autodesk MotionBuilder 7.5
software. Jean-Sebastien Campagna, senior animator at Ubisoft's Montreal
Studio, recounted: "The improved Undo system introduced in Autodesk
MotionBuilder 7.5 allows me to undo across the application. I love that
it's no longer limited to certain operations; I'm now able to undo critical
operations like selections, manipulations and deletions."
"This is a major breakthrough. Due to the unpredictability of my workflow,
I want software that gives me room to be creative and take chances. And
when I make an error, I want it to let me backtrack. This is exactly what
MotionBuilder 7.5 delivers," concluded Campagna.
Pricing and Availability
Autodesk MotionBuilder 7.5 is now available to MotionBuilder Platinum
Members. The software is expected to become available worldwide in late
March 2006. Autodesk MotionBuilder 7.5 suggested retail pricing (SRP),
including one year of Platinum Membership, remains unchanged from version
7. Autodesk MotionBuilder 7.5 (node-locked) SRP is US $4,195 and
Autodesk MotionBuilder 7.5 (floating) SRP is US $4,795 in North America.
MotionBuilder software is available for both the Windows and Mac OS X
platforms.
www.autodesk.com/motionbuilder