NodeWorks Ocean: The next revolution in ocean simulation for FumeFX
Sitni Sati is about to change the game of liquid effects with NodeWorks Ocean, a new module for FumeFX that takes ocean simulation to cinematic levels. This tool, which will work in 3ds Max, Maya, and Cinema 4D, promises to create everything from calm waters to epic storms with dynamic foam and realistic swell. 🌊💥
"When your wave simulation can virtually wet the viewer... you know you're onto something special"
Main features
NodeWorks Ocean includes:
- GPU-accelerated simulation of oceanic surfaces
- Procedural generation of dynamic foam
- Configurable swell system from breezes to hurricanes
- Full integration with NodeWorks (FumeFX's nodal environment)
- Compatibility with major renderers
Why it's a significant advancement
This technology overcomes traditional limitations:
- Goes beyond static displacements
- Generates realistic fluid interactions between objects and water
- Produces procedural foam that reacts to collisions
- Allows scaling from small waves to tsunamis with the same parameters
Workflow with NodeWorks
The system leverages the nodal architecture to:
- Blend simulations of different scales
- Precisely control water behavior
- Connect effects like sea mist and splashes
- Optimize resources through intelligent nodes
Professional use cases
Ideal for:
- Cinematic productions with marine scenes
- AAA video games that require dynamic oceans
- Architectural visualization with aquatic environments
- VR/AR projects that need interactive water
While other packages offer basic simulations, NodeWorks Ocean promises to bring oceanic fluid dynamics to cinematic quality directly in your favorite DCC. 🎬
Availability and next steps
Although Sitni Sati has not announced an exact date:
- Expected first for FumeFX 7.0 in 3ds Max
- Versions for Maya and Cinema 4D will arrive later
- Current users may receive upgrade discounts
So the next time you need an ocean for your project, remember: soon you'll be able to generate it with the same tool you use to create explosions and smoke. Though you might not want to explain to your client why their tranquil bay now looks like the set of Pirates of the Caribbean. ☠️
The future of liquid FX
With NodeWorks Ocean, FumeFX positions itself as:
- All-in-one solution for fire, smoke, and now water
- Scalable tool from small productions to blockbusters
- Integrating platform for multiple physical effects
For FX artists and technical directors, this means fewer jumps between software and more time creating visual magic. And in an industry where water has always been one of the toughest challenges, NodeWorks Ocean could be the lifesaver many studios have been waiting for.