Siggraph

If you’re here, check out booth 202 for the launch of Darwin Dimensions. This is something really new (and fun). It’s a character animation software that works kind of like an audio loops program where you can assemble a unique mix by blending and morphing among pre-built assets.

In this case, database of high quality pre-built models (called Ancestors) can be combined in an infinite number of ways–you use shaders to tweak the mix, creating a kind of gene matrix from up to four ancestors at a time; you can end up using all the models if you like. You can combine their gross body structures such as proportion, cranium shape and size, etc ; you can also access details like noses, ears, eyes, etc. and combine elements of multiple models or just a few to build distinctive features, while watching it all take place in real time.

The software can then give you a fully rigged wire frame, or a finished Maya-ready textured character (built from the library of textures).

These are designed to be high quality, high res models (four resolutions are available). They are not for hobbyists. Having said that, the tool is easy enough to use for hours of fun (or previsualization)–and you can get unlimited access the tool for a $40 download; you can even share files with other Digital Dimensions collaborators. So as a gadget–it’s a no brainer, go download the free 7 day trial and find $40 to hang onto it. That’s 10 Starbucks.

However, for use in a professional setting you pay by the finished model–$1000 a model. This is very cheap when you consider what it costs in time and money to develop a character from scratch. The quality and flexibility of these models is extremely high and the interface for how you will use it in Maya (and Photoshop) is well thought out (and open to further feedback and even customization for users). Darwin Dimensions can also incorporate proprietary Ancestors into the database for individual customers.

But at core, it’s simply no risk: you can tweak endlessly with a character before you decide to buy (or not buy). So at a minimum it’s an addictive sketch tool. Hmm, maybe that’s why you might think twice…