Imbalance has announced the release of Ragdoll Dynamics 3.0, offering tools to automate character physics within Maya. The new features are designed to streamline the animation process and enhance performance. Here’s a look at what’s new:
- Live Mode: This feature simplifies traditional rigging with a user-friendly click-and-drag interface. It allows animators to capture their character’s movements in a way that feels intuitive, much like playing with an action figure.
- Rig Conversion: Ragdoll Dynamics 3.0 can transform existing Maya rigs into physically based versions. This provides a more efficient and easier animation experience. The developers claim that this improvement can boost CPU performance significantly, potentially increasing complex rig speeds from 5fps to 500fps.
- High-Res Asset Library: A library of fourteen high-resolution characters is now available. Animators can quickly begin experimenting with the Ragdoll feature set using pre-made assets like a spaceman, alien, dog, or human. This allows for easy previsualization, testing of ideas, and application of physics to custom assets.
- Interactive Mode: Artists can enjoy an interactive mode with controls that are familiar to Maya users. This feature enables real-time feedback, allowing animators to see how changes affect the model instantly. This faster workflow allows for more efficient adjustments compared to waiting for playback.
Source: Ragdoll Dynamics website
