Bproduction, developer of tools for Blender, has released the latest version of its crowd animation add-on, Population 2. This new update introduces significant improvements, making the process of adding background crowds to scenes easier and faster than ever.
Key improvements in Population 2
Population 2 stands out for its versatility and efficiency, allowing Blender users to integrate 3D characters into scenes with ease. Some of the new features include:
- Paint characters directly in the scene: It is now possible to distribute characters more intuitively by painting on the surface where they should appear.
- Group and On Vertices modes: These new modes allow for more precise distribution of characters on irregular surfaces or complex shapes.
- Advanced PBR texturing: Population 2 incorporates PBR texturing up to 8K, improving the visual quality of characters and creating realistic variations in clothing color.
- Dynamic shading: This feature allows variations in character shading, adding more realism to scenes.
Improvements in modes and additional functionalities
Population 2 not only introduces new tools but also enhances existing modes. The Stadium Mode now allows for creating seated or standing crowds more easily, adjusting the path width or creating empty spaces in the stands. Additionally, the Follow Curve mode has been optimized, allowing characters to follow curved paths with greater precision.
"Population 2 positions Blender as an even more powerful tool for creating scenes with crowds, offering total control over character animation."
Compatibility and flexibility in the workflow
The add-on includes a set of 48 photogrammetrically scanned 3D characters and 55 mocap animations, including walking, running, sports, and idle movements, recorded by the motion capture studio SolidAnim. These characters and animations are ideal for visualization or animation projects that require realistic crowds.
Why choose Population 2?
Population 2 positions itself as an essential tool for artists and animators looking to add crowds efficiently to their projects. With its new features, such as direct character painting and improved distribution modes, it becomes a complete solution for any project requiring high-quality crowd animation.