Applying Markerless Motion Capture to Video Game Development

Abstract

Client B comes to WowYow to find an AI solution for their animation needs. Because motion capture studios charge anywhere from $10k-$30k a day, a smaller company, like Client B, needs a cost-effective way to animate motion. WowYow uses their computer vision AI to analyze Client B's video content in order to create motion templates for Client B to use for their video game characters.

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Dialogue

Below are some questions we may ask to find what you're looking for. At WowYow, we offer a personal consultant service so that you get direct guidance and your exact desired outcome.

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WowYow (WY): Hi there! We're glad that you chose us to help you with your AI needs. First, a couple of questions so we can get the best solutions for you.

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Are you looking for a solution for animation, gaming, or virtual production?

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Client B (B): Video game animation. We are creating a wrestling video game.

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WY: How do you typically create movement for your characters?

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B: Either mocap studios or manual animation.

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WY: Okay, let's find a better solution that will save you time and money! Are you trying to create new motion files/templates or would you like to see what we already have available?

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B: We'd like to create new motion templates for each of our characters because they have specific movement patterns.

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WY: Do you have pre-recorded videos of their movements that you can send us, or do you want to capture the movement in real time?

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B: We have pre-recorded videos for all our characters. 

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WY: What platform are you using to develop your game?

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B: The Unreel Engine.

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Creating a Solution

WowYow has learned that Client B needs motion templates for each character in their new video game. Client B will be providing WowYow with all pre-recorded footage of the movement that needs to be packaged into templates for Client B's use. Because of these key factors, WowYow would recommend the following solution:

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Applied Solution Recommendations: 

AI Studio

This product is what will take Client B's video footage, track key points of movement, generate motion metadata, and transform it into a motion file.

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Motion API

This product is what will take the motion file from the AI Studio, generate a template, and transfer the file directly into preferred gaming platforms, like the Unreel Engine. Then, Client B can apply these templates to any character mesh.

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