I was wondering if anyone would like to see 3D character visualization software made, one where you can not only customize the face, but the body as well and then print it out or save the data for later. I know hero machine is O.k.. But it is 2D and has no customization in the body of the character.
If the answer is yes, I may make the software and the models for it. The first release will be limited in terms of material and will be looking for feedback on the software and models. But it'll take time as I will have to make the program, the base 3D body models for each gender and each gender's body types as defined in Sheldon's body types and with farther customization available on certain body parts. As well as the props, clothing, armour and the UV texture maps for all the models.
So let me hear your thoughts on this, and pending the answers I may proceed with making the software.
If you wish to know how the software and models will be made and what tech will be used you can ask and answer.
I have an answer, but it's probably not the one you want...
You can already get a bunch of this for free. Daz offers their free Daz Studio posing and rendering program, as well as many free base figures and other items. Also, every Tuesday, a new prop, scene, or article of clothing is released free for that week.
If you keep an eye on the their site (and get their newsletters), you can often pick up items at substantial discounts. They also run frequent themed sales and promotions. Pop into the messageboards and you will find a thriving community that often gives away their own 3D designs and textures.
Their items are compatible with the other popular program, Poser. You'll find even more Daz- and Poser-compatible items at Renderosity (which also has a free section and user community).
That's just the tip of the iceberg.
And no, I don't work for any of these companies. :)
Character model creators simple enough that average end-users can recreate their characters on have been tried before, and they have typically been fairly poor pieces of software. Game development studios dedicate a ton of time to getting their models to look the way they want them to look, and then a ton of time on top of that developing a character creation tool that allows their average customer to create a believable character in whatever image they desire.
Also, it's really hard to get a 3D model to look anywhere near as nice as a piece of more traditional (or digital) artwork. You have to ask yourself if there's a real market for this - do people want 3D models that accurately reflect their character's physical attributes, but will probably look plastic and emotionless, or do they just want a nice piece of artwork to serve as a portrait that helps evoke qualities of their character that they want to see (or, to take it a step further, do people want artwork that they can then base their character design off of)?
Sorry Slaad, but Daz has no configurable models. The modeling system I'm looking at is closer to Make Human, but with a more usable interface.
I know I'm not great at UV maps and that can make it appear a great model or a bad one. A sample generic model made by me is ready for being used as the starter with mesh morphs, as I did most of the edge looping before hand for the muscle groups, though I might redo the head a bit later.
contact me at com11235@hotmail.com for the sample model (3dsmax 2010 or higher) or a picture of the sample model.
The program itself will be written in C#, using Direct X, vertex deformation supported graphics engine, and might use XNA 4.0, which means it could be used on the XBox 360.
Dump
Sorry Slaad, but Daz has no configurable models. The modeling system I'm looking at is closer to Make Human, but with a more usable interface...
Using Daz Studio (or Poser), you can do quite a bit just applying a morph to the existing wireframe. Tweaking bumpmaps can have substantial effects too. And once you have some experience with it, you can achieve remarkable results... especially if you upgrade to HDRI, better rending engines and plugins, the Elite gen 4 models, and tools like FaceShop.
Is it perfectly customizable? No. But for many -- especially those without the skill yet to masterfully wield something like ZBrush -- it's good enough. And it is relatively affordable (assuming you don't develop an addiction).
I've made quite a few characters in Dungeons and Dragons Online, the MMORPG, which is free. Taken a screenshot, and used that as my character portrait.
Sorry Slaad, but Daz has no configurable models. The modeling system I'm looking at is closer to Make Human, but with a more usable interface...Using Daz Studio (or Poser), you can do quite a bit just applying a morph to the existing wireframe. Tweaking bumpmaps can have substantial effects too. And once you have some experience with it, you can achieve remarkable results... especially if you upgrade to HDRI, better rending engines and plugins, the Elite gen 4 models, and tools like FaceShop.
Is it perfectly customizable? No. But for many -- especially those without the skill yet to masterfully wield something like ZBrush -- it's good enough. And it is relatively affordable (assuming you don't develop an addiction).
Belatedly, I tried Daz and couldn't find any free morphs for any of the base models. Where do you get them (and don't tell me to put on an eyepatch and set sail)?
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This might seem odd but the MMO Aion, if it's handing out free trials yet (not sure if it is) should be something to check out. Easily the MOST detailed character creator I have ever seen. Also the graphics are gorgeous so they make pretty awesome screen shots. Only downside being that you'd only ever to get make the screenshot in either the 1st tier armor, or super high end gear (so after awhile they can start to look the same).
Just throwing that out there.
This might seem odd but the MMO Aion, if it's handing out free trials yet (not sure if it is) should be something to check out. Easily the MOST detailed character creator I have ever seen. Also the graphics are gorgeous so they make pretty awesome screen shots. Only downside being that you'd only ever to get make the screenshot in either the 1st tier armor, or super high end gear (so after awhile they can start to look the same).
Just throwing that out there.
This is quite close to what I'm looking to build, but since the task is so far a one man mission. I'll be forced into creating one gender of each race and race additions slowly as modeling and texturing organic models that are really configurable take a lot of time, and if I add skinning and rigging to the model, it'll take even longer.
The main reason behind this entire query is to build a programming and modeling portfolio piece, but I would like to see if people would like a FREE, visual character tool with new races and clothing/armour content every now and then.