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San Francisco-based Mixamo has launched an online animation service that it says allows users to build 3D character animations "in seconds" and download them to existing skeletons and rigs.

Leigh Alexander, Contributor

August 4, 2009

1 Min Read

San Francisco-based Mixamo has launched an online animation service that it says allows users to build 3D character animations "in seconds." Stefano Corazza, Mixamo's co-founder and CTO, explains: "Mixamo drastically condenses the animation process by combining the realism of motion capture with the customization options offered by keyframing. This creates an entirely new approach that enables professionals to develop production-ready character animations quickly." "Over time, our goal is to continue to refine this process and extend this service to an even wider market," he adds. Mixamo uses slider-based controls, and lets animators browse through a selection of 3D character motions from combat to sports and dancing, based on motion capture data. The movements can be applied to character rigs in realtime, and the final result can then be downloaded and integrated into 3D apps or development pipelines. The company says that its motion capture data is based on mathematical models, allowing users to control the angles and durations of various movements. "By alleviating the need for expensive motion capture services and substantially reducing keyframe animation production time, Mixamo is able to significantly boost workflow pace and speed," the company says.

About the Author(s)

Leigh Alexander

Contributor

Leigh Alexander is Editor At Large for Gamasutra and the site's former News Director. Her work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Variety, Slate, Paste, Kill Screen, GamePro and numerous other publications. She also blogs regularly about gaming and internet culture at her Sexy Videogameland site. [NOTE: Edited 10/02/2014, this feature-linked bio was outdated.]

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