Reallusion has released iClone 8.5, a new free update to the popular real-time character animation software. This version significantly expands the crowd animation toolkit, incorporating key improvements that facilitate the creation of differentiated characters and enrich interactions in complex scenes.
Smart Accessories for Character Customization
One of the main new features in iClone 8.5 is the incorporation of the Smart Accessories system, which simplifies the process of adding accessories to crowd characters. This system not only allows adding elements like hats, glasses, or weapons, but also offers greater flexibility by allowing variations in materials and placement of these accessories on characters.
Additionally, accessories can now have multiple materials and parent bones, enabling a higher level of customization and eliminating the need to link them to a single specific bone, as was the case in previous versions. This improvement increases the versatility of characters, making them more natural and detailed.
Incorporation of Animations in Accessories
Another standout improvement is the ability to embed MotionPlus format animations directly into accessories. This means that crowd characters can not only carry accessories but also perform predefined movements that integrate those accessories, such as turning a key or adjusting a hat. This makes characters interact more dynamically and realistically with their environment.
Interaction with the Environment through Props
iClone 8.5 also introduces the Props Interaction system, which optimizes how crowd characters interact with their environment. With this system, new assets called MD Props allow characters to perform actions like sitting, pressing buttons, or inspecting objects automatically. Additionally, these interactions can be customized based on the character's characteristics, such as age or gender, adding an extra level of realism and personalization to animation scenes.
Creation of Custom MD Props
iClone 8.5 users have the option to create their own custom MD Props, or use the assets available in Reallusion's new range of commercial add-on packs. This flexibility allows artists and animators to enrich their projects with a wide variety of behaviors and actions, improving the animation experience and facilitating the creation of more detailed and authentic scenes.
Conclusion
The iClone 8.5 update marks a significant step in the evolution of real-time animation software, offering tools that enhance both character customization and interaction with their environment. With features like smart accessories and MD Props, users can now create more realistic and dynamic characters, optimizing the animation process and increasing project flexibility.
"iClone 8.5 offers innovative tools to customize characters and enrich their interactions with the environment, improving quality and flexibility in animation."