New Instancing and Flocking Tools Mean More Polygons Without Added Render Time

On this propitious day of elevens, NewTek has released LightWave 11, an improved version of its animation and modeling software that now features more virtual studio controller support and new instancing, flocking and fracturing tools. The instancing tools will let animators create massive, highly detailed polygon groups without adding extra loads to memory caches or rendering pipelines.
The software’s new flocking tools, which include a new motion modifier, will let users animate larger groups of objects in a more realistic way. The motion modifier’s behavior algorithms also calculate crowd avoidance of nearby objects or group attractions toward a single target.

Explosions will get a head start from a new Modeler tool that lets users pre-fracture objects ready for destruction and control each explosion’s density by applying weight maps. The Modeler works in tandem with the physics-based Bullet Dynamics in the software’s Layout mode.

Those animating on set virtually can now use the Sony PlayStation Move to control animations via a LightWave channel.

Python scripting, FiberFX enhancements and a number of overall interface tweaks were also added to this version.

For more information: www.newtek.com