Real Time Visualization of Film in Video Gaming

Important results from the project

The purpose of the project was to develop software for creating computer generated movies based on Bitsquid´s game development technology and integrate it with Bitsquid´s existing product line. This was achieved with a new product called ´Story Tool´, which allows the user to create movies containing animated game objects, cameras and light sources within a game environment. The ´Story Tool´ is distributed together with Bitsquid´s other products and is already used by our customers to produce cutscenes in a more efficient manner.

Expected long term effects

With the development of this tool we hoped to achieve two things. First, to increase the value of our product to existing and prospective customers and make us more competitive in the marketplace. Second, to reach new markets such as the film industry and architectural visualization. The first objective has clearly been achieved. Our existing customers are already using and gaining much value from the new product. As for the second objective, we are just now in a position to start reaching out to these new markets with a finished tool, so the outcome is still uncertain.

Approach and implementation

The project proceeded according to the plan. Existing best-in-class computer animation packages, such as Maya and Motion Builder were studied to ensure that our tool provided the artists with familiar workflows. The tool was then developed and improved iteratively, with professional animators from Fatshark and Arrowhead providing valuable input to the process. The finished tool has been integrated into the Bitsquid product line, tested by most of our customers and is now sold as a part of our game development toolchain.