Gamecaster Virtual Camera Integrates With Unreal Engine 3

Virtual camera control company Gamecaster said Friday that its camera hardware is now usable to all licensees of the widely-used Unreal Engine 3 and UDK through Epic Games' Integrated Partners Program. Through the partnership, San Diego-based Gamecaster's hardware technology can be used in conjunction with UE3's cinematic production software Unreal Matinee. The Gamemaster GCS3 camera hardware (pictured) is used to capture virtual footage in the same manner a film director would operate a camera for a more intuitive feel. Epic president Dr. Mike Capps said that by using the GCS3, "developers can open the Unreal Editor, record live camera movement within a cinematic scene, and play back results instantly," saving time and effort on manual keyframing. Users operate the camera through thumbstick controls and internal motion sensors. The camera can be tripod- or shoulder-mounted. "The ability to conduct real-time virtual cinematography within Unreal Matinee, and make shots feel alive and believable, is an instant benefit to game developers," said David McIntosh, Gamecaster president. Gamecaster, which also organizes broadcasted game tournaments, additionally supplies virtual camera tech to the film and television industry. Epic has many other companies that are on board with its Integrated Partners program, including Intel, Vivox, Audiokinetic, NaturalMotion and others.