Next gen Animation

[DiemetriX]

Video:

 

Info [from ign]:

 

There's been a hot debate regarding what qualifies as "next-gen." With all the added processing power, the next wave of consoles promises better graphics and enhanced sound, but what about gameplay? Though games get slicker production values, do they really play any differently than in the past? From what we've seen so far, the answer is no.

 

But with its upcoming Indiana Jones title, LucasArts may be onto something. Utilizing a run-time animation technology called euphoria, the game is poised to push the limits of what was previously possible. The company that developed the technology, NaturalMotion, has been working for years to hone euphoria to accurately replicate real-world physics such as strength, weight, and momentum with in-game character models. Whereas before, all animations had to be pre-programmed, euphoria allows for reactions and behaviors to occur in real-time -- allowing models to react realistically to whatever situation might arise.

To be clear, euphoria is not an AI program, it's an animation technology that allows for physically accurate behaviors. The AI is programmed by the developer, in this case LucasArts, into the euphoria models to control them. What we saw at LucasArts was the marriage of euphoria physics and LucasArts A.I. scripts.

 

"It's what next-gen is about. It's not creating a linear path. It's creating intelligent characters, really interesting setups and environments, and putting the player in there and letting them see what the hell happens."

 

At one point, a model got knocked over while standing on a plank that angled downward, toward the ground. After falling, it began sliding forward with gravity. Since its A.I. was still fully functioning, it was clawing wildly around to try and stop its slide. Unfortunately for the model, the plank was flat, but as it slid out off the edge, it managed to catch itself on the very lip of the lath. It dangled precariously for a moment, but was thereafter able to hoist itself back up to shelter.

 

Instead of lapsing into some kind of pre-generated tumble, the enemy was at the mercy of every object in the environment. As he flew back, his body twisted ever so slightly so he could see where he was falling, and he'd try to brace for impact with his hands and shoulders as effectively as he could. Every environmental object he came into contact with was reacted to realistically. When getting thrown into a car, his body flattened against the side of the car. When getting tossed onto the edge of a wall, his reactions were different every time. Occasionally he would bounce and barrel roll to the ground, at others he would hit and lay out across top of the wall, and even come to rest angled from the wall to ground.

 

Hirschmann added, "We're working on a behavior right now where you can toss a guy into another guy and his head will actually track him and actually put his hands out to try and catch him."

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source: http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/702/702389p1.html

 

 

Now this is what I have been waiting for.

[m_fergy]

that vid is amazing

 

cant wait to see the results in a proppa game

[DiemetriX]

that vid is amazing

 

cant wait to see the results in a proppa game

 

I'm certain you will se it in Indina jones at E3.

[Haden]

This looks so good. But will it cause problems? Eg animations that are crucial to game progress being mucked up or stuff not happening correctly because its generated real time. Will it also take a lot of power?

But man if it works out it will be revolutionary. No more tired pre programed animation but difference each time, would literally be super.

[DiemetriX]

This looks so good. But will it cause problems? Eg animations that are crucial to game progress being mucked up or stuff not happening correctly because its generated real time. Will it also take a lot of power?

 

As you saw in the movie the game can switch between the Animation types. So in a criticial game moment the game wil use a pre rendered animation. It probably takes some more power. But thats whats next gen is all abot

[AshMat]

That is an incredible video. It'd be great to see this in games

[Calibur]

WOW, thats insane. The football tackling was really cool.

[pedrocasilva]

WOW, thats insane. The football tackling was really cool.

shame Nintendo Wii won't do this... probably. but I'm not really bothered by it.

[DiemetriX]

shame Nintendo Wii won't do this... probably. but I'm not really bothered by it.

 

Won't or Can't ?

[pedrocasilva]

Won't or Can't ?

I think it's a "can't", at least not on this standard... this will take a huge load out of the CPU...

 

only if they toned it down or Wii had a double core, or a PPU somehow.

[DiemetriX]

Ahhh. Thats a shame :/ I was really hoping the Wii could handel it.

No big problem. I have a 360

[Calibur]

Interesting.

[Haden]

Thanks for info on question guys. Very intresting I really hope we can start seeing some next gen games now. That actually do new stuff. Apart from online stuff the only xbox360 game that shouts nextgen to me is oblivion and thats on the PC anyway. Hopefully E3 will reveal all.