Characters animated in real time with physics

[Randy 0]

We know that today its possible to simulate the superficial physics of an umoving and limp human body in real time, this is known as ragdolling obviously, also in considerable numbers, the faster of the commercial physics engines can handle piles of ragdolls on relatively low end computers.

However, ragdolling is considered by some as noticeably unrealistic and considered by many as 'not quiet right looking'. This comes from the fact that while the physical simulation of the ragdoll may be immaculate, factors such as weight, material type, drag, gravity considered: what is lacking is the simulation of the living character itself. This means the simulation of a basic muscle and nervous system, an extremely simple system relative to the real thing.

This is already possible, pre-done or 'canned' animations are no longer neccessary as such technology I already alluded to, has been created. This system is known as Endorphin (www.naturalmotion.com). As far as I understand, characters in a game using endorphin will be animated on the fly, factors such as their weight, proportions and strength will determine whether they slip over or are able to for example catch a bowling ball without being crushed under its weight.

Reflexive behaviours can be applied to a character, such as if they try to climb a steep hill and by chance lose their footing, they will tumble to the bottom realistically, the reflexive behaviours first being to swing their arms wildly to maintain balance, using the actual weight of their limbs to save themselves, protecting themselves as they tumble wildly.

The idea of this thread anyway, is to try and get an idea of whether some innovative technology will be used in regards to physics and animation, rather than what is fast becoming the stock standard inclusion of basic ragdolls and rigid body object physics simulation. Personally I would like to see some kind of exciting new solution like the one I just described, these sorts of things have the potential to increase the gameplay possibilities 100 fold.

[Spoock 3]

animations in game2 will be very realistic

animations were captured from real soldier

[Bloodnick 0]

A semi ragdoll feature like in mgs3 is good enough. The death animations will be played off, but interacts with the terrain, that works better on low spec computers. Because ragdoll can be funny (especially the HL2 rag) and realistic, but a lot of coding have to be done. Just look at BF2. Cs:S ragdoll is one of the best ragdolls, but the models aren't made like the exact human anatomy. And all those small details on the soldiers pants etc. in next gen will have to be coded as "solid", and not as "small pieces of art". I know the procedure of creating ragdoll for model parts, but its difficult to explain. Isn't this a good arguement, then i don't know

[Randy 0]

Ragdolling is definetely a step in the right direction, it just varies in quality between games, even those using the same physics middleware engine, such as Half Life 2 and Tribes Vengeance. I just want the best for the next gen game, especially in terms of physical realism, as I've said before, the means to do this exist today.

[codarl 1]

The site that you linked us to (natural motion) contained software used on commercials, not games .

I believe "natural" ragdoll in games can be achieved, However, in a game of this scale, it's just about undoable. I'd be happy with Doom3's ragdoll: People are heavy, and the last they do is glide about, or get thrown back by bullets.

[General Barron 0]

animations in game2 will be very realistic

animations were captured from real soldier

Didn't they get the animations for OFP in this way as well?

[NeMeSiS 11]

animations in game2 will be very realistic

animations were captured from real soldier

Didn't they get the animations for OFP in this way as well?

Yup, i still remember that pic on the "fun" site

[Placebo 29]

Link edited, don't post spoilers please

[NeMeSiS 11]

Link edited, don't post spoilers please

Awk, but i didnt tell the username/password

Ontopic: This would probably be too heavy to use on any game, right?

[XCess 0]

Um, that 'spoiler' is in the BIS news archives...