With all sorts of virtual reality (VR) technology due to be displayed at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2018, companies from across the globe are using it to showcase more than just videogames. Motion capture specialist Vicon has chosen to create a VR escape room to demonstrate its newest platform Shōgun 1.2 at the event.
Vicon launched Shōgun at GDC 2017 becoming a popular motion capture platform in the process, used in feature films like Blade Runner 2049, as well as in the videogame industry by publishers like Electronic Arts, Ubisoft and Activision. The new Shōgun 1.2 update adds several new features, including the ability to calibrate and record SDI video directly into the Shōgun pipeline. Support for custom game rigs in Shōgun Live and Shōgun Post has also been added, allowing users to animate and solve directly onto their project characters. That data can then be streamed directly into game engines, so designers can see the results on their characters in real-time.
To give a practical look at Shōgun 1.2’s new features Vicon created the Vicon Experience (VEX) a multiplayer VR escape room made specifically for GDC 2018. The VEX escape room features puzzles and a futuristic setting created by DesignGame, and real-time facial tracking courtesy of Dynamixyz. Popcorn FX also added its real-time FX to bring the environment to life, and the entire experience is then driven through Epic Games‘ Unreal Engine 4 using Shōgun and Live Link to animate the players’ avatars in real time.
When guests step into Vicon’s booth, they’ll find it transformed into a large volume capture space using the company’s Vantage optical system. Cameras track participants’ movements, and using Shōgun’s new custom skeleton solving, they will appear inside of VEX as avatars. A third performer will then guide them through the experience using real-time face animation driven by Dynamixyz Performer software.
It’s not just Shōgun 1.2 that Vicon will be showcasing offering a first look at the finalized version of Cara Lite, the entry-level version of Vicon’s Cara 3D production facial capture solution system. VRFocus will be at GDC 2018 to check out VEX and all the other VR content on display.