Motion capture for Source mods

[jeantyu]

Hello everyone,

I am quite new to the world of indie games but I have « worked » for quite a while in the modding community. My latest project is about to be launched but I need a few assets/feedbacks before going official.
I want to start a modest motion capture studio (body, then facial) specifically dedicated to modders, indie developers and indie animators.

It is no big news that motion capture is extremely expensive, both to purchase and to operate; I have just acquired a markerless mocap system made by a little startup (iPisoft) which is way less expensive than “commercial” systems, but yet achieves really good results. So, before offering anything openly, I would like to know who would be interested in such a service, and if yes, what type of service would you expect?

I am also searching for indie studios (or high-quality mods) that would work with me (no charges) to get mocap datas into their games. All I ask in exchange for the service I provide is a video of the animations integrated in their game/animation and the right to show it on my website in a showreel.

So send me a message if you or some people you know are interested!

[joe_rogers_11155]

For example: (mind you, this is old footage)

I thought this might help get the point across to those who don't already know about iPi's tech.

I would really like to take advantage of this tech one day. I don't have the code base, Face Poser knowledge, or hardware assets to collaborate at this time. I hope you find some projects to work with soon. I think this tech will be huge for indies and mod teams who want to take their stuff seriously.

[Gary]

Look up Kinect Motion capture, there is a lot about it.

[Plague]

Look up Kinect Motion capture, there is a lot about it.

I think he's talking more about a service Garry, he already has a mocap solution.



On the topic of that, I think this would be great.
Not so sure about costs though, If I were running a mod I would be willing to drop a few hundred for outsourced mocap stuff.

And If I were an Indie team of pretty good size (at least semi-professional) I could drop probably $1k on a good mocap solution. (assumes no previous games (more money on hand), actually have money XD)

But this is kinda assuming a one time fee sort of thing, so its kinda dependent on if you charge once or a "subscription" of sorts.

But either way this would be extremely beneficial for smaller teams to get better mocap'd animations.

[Dionysos]

http://www.brekel.com/

[darkpivot]

MaxOfS2D actually bought a license for this to use in his machinima series Earthbound Fortress 2. It works quite nicely. He hasn't shown any results yet, but I watched him test it out live and it semi-worked (although he didn't have the right setup).

[Armageddon]

MaxOfS2D actually bought a license for this to use in his machinima series Earthbound Fortress 2. It works quite nicely. He hasn't shown any results yet, but I watched him test it out live and it semi-worked (although he didn't have the right setup).

He's shown like 8 videos where he has used it.

[jeantyu]

Well yes, I already have the hardware. I have yet to buy a Kinect soon for it's really convenient for small animations but is very limited when it comes to complex and quick moves (occlusion, limited to 30fps, precision issues).

The system I use now has 6 cameras running at 60fps, so it is way more precise and efficient; even if it requires more space, more time to set up and then to process the captured data.

To be honest I do not have any defined ideas on how I could actually run it as a business (i.e. no business plan so far), I have a few ideas of course but I want to really master the tool and get to know the workflow before going any further.

I will certainly try to offer different services, like cheaper but simpler captures with the Kinect to more expensive entire scenes with the six cameras rig.

Also bear in mind that one big limitation of the system is that it is limited to one actor.

EDIT: You might want to look at this : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IG3fWu8Y-Fo. It is a machimina partly made with the Source engine and animated with the mocap system I use.

[source-maps]

For example: (mind you, this is old footage)

I thought this might help get the point across to those who don't already know about iPi's tech.

oh yes, this is what we use in nmrih to cap the new zombie and soldier animations
pretty funny people can do this sort of stuff in their own homes now

[Gambini]

I am also searching for indie studios (or high-quality mods) that would work with me (no charges) to get mocap datas into their games. All I ask in exchange for the service I provide is a video of the animations integrated in their game/animation and the right to show it on my website in a showreel.

I would be really interested to use some help for animations (i just need a few, three or four as much). My project is a higly undercover mod but the quality is good enough according to the ones that saw it (visually at least). The problem is that it is a one man army, and animating models is not yet something i master. Does your system capture hands movement? If by the time i get to that point, you´re still interested to offer that kind of service. It would be really great to work together.

[stoopdapoop]

Hmm, the animation in that clear skies 3 trailer looks really clean.

How noisy are your results? do you clean them up yourself? or do you let the mod teams do it?

Can you send me a link to one of your animations?

[ScarT]

Exactly what is your setup? It sounds really interesting, certainly we would be interested (http://www.moddb.com/mods/missing-information).

[marks]

I'm unsure how many mods or indie's you would find approach you about this, from a business perspective. Most (if not all) of these groups have a budget somewhere between "shoestring" and "absolutely no budget at all". Even the very successful ones (with the exclusion of stuff like Minecraft etc).

[jeantyu]

@stoopdapoo: Nothing yet to show, I've purchased the full licence of the software yesterday, and will be able to do my first real test next-week-end, if not sooner.

@ScarT: I have both a Kinect (got it today) and six Ps3 Eye cameras along with various gears (tripod, lights) and stuff (I do some photography/video production too). I will give more details as soon as I got the system running, probably in a week.

@marks: I'm unsure too, that's why I have tried to advertise my projects on some forums and get some ideas. I already have some freelancers (animations) that would be interested to pay if the service is good enough. And last, I have no intention to make a living out of it, if I can earn enough to balance the investment I made I'll be really glad!

I've received a few PMs yet of interested people, I'll try to answer asap.

[ScarT]

Alright, sounds hot. I've been thinking about doing something like this myself. However I'm find $995 a bit too much to spend on something that I'm not sure I'll be satisfied with.

Be sure to post some videos !