Character Animation Middleware Helps to Enable Complex Flying, Swimming and
Climbing Moves
Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) has
announced that Autodesk HumanIK character animation middleware was tightly
integrated into Ubisoft's proprietary game engine for the development of
"Assassin's Creed II." Released November 17, the title sold over 1.6
million units worldwide in its first week on the shelf.
HumanIK animation middleware is a runtime solution for creating believable,
interactive character animation for games. Ubisoft first used the software
on the original "Assassin's Creed" title. As an integrated part of
Ubisoft's game engine on "Assassin's Creed II," HumanIK contributed to the
realization of enticing game-play innovations such as climbing, flying and
interactions with dynamic nonplayer characters (NPCs).
"One of the most important aspects of the 'Assassin's Creed II' game play
is the ability for characters to climb. HumanIK allowed us to build new
climbing moves into the game and iterate them very quickly without ever
having to worry about the quality of the IK solving," explained James
Therien, lead programmer, Assassin's Creed II, Ubisoft. "Having a package
like HumanIK allowed us to address our IK problems quickly without
sacrificing results or performance."
In creating a sequel to its award-winning "Assassin's Creed" franchise,
Ubisoft sought unique ways to improve and build upon the original. Having
more interesting and diverse characters, greater interaction with NPCs and
a broader range of moves, including flying and complex climbing for NPCs
were core differentiators facilitated in part by the integration of HumanIK
middleware.
Ubisoft has been a longtime user of Autodesk solutions, tapping Autodesk
3ds Max and Autodesk MotionBuilder software, in addition to HumanIK, as key
creative tools for its titles. "3ds Max is our main content creation
package. MotionBuilder was used to clean up all of the motion-capture
performance data that was used extensively in cut scenes and fight
sequences," said Therien.
About "Assassin's Creed II"
"Assassin's Creed II" invites players to become Ezio, a privileged young
noble in Renaissance Italy who's been betrayed by the rival ruling families
of Italy. Ezio's quest for vengeance plunges players into a captivating and
epic story that offers more variety in missions, surprising and engaging
new game play elements, diverse weapons, incredible depth and a profound
character progression that appeals to fans of the original game, and
entices players new to the brand.
About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc., is a world leader in 2D and 3D design, engineering and
entertainment software for the manufacturing, building and construction,
and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD
software in 1982, Autodesk continues to develop the broadest portfolio of
state-of-the-art software to help customers experience their ideas
digitally before they are built. Fortune 100 companies Ø as well as the
last 14 Academy Award winners for Best Visual Effects Ø use Autodesk
software tools to design, visualize and simulate their ideas to save time
and money, enhance quality and foster innovation for competitive advantage.
For additional information about Autodesk, visit http://www.autodesk.com.
Autodesk, AutoCAD, HumanIK, MotionBuilder and 3ds Max are registered
trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or
affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. Academy Award is a registered
trademark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. All other
brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective
holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and
specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for
typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.
© 2009 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.
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