Putting on the Fur

[loboLoco]

This week we've made a little video showing how we add the fur to the new wolf. This new wolf and fur effect will be added to the main game in late 2017 and also part of the Tower Fall episode coming in 2018.

[youtube]0cDTdWCmJ00[/youtube]

Video link:

Fur is one of the most challenging things to create in realtime 3D. Hollywood movies with realistic fur require hours to render each frame, but of course we can't afford that kind of rendering time in a game -- in fact, each frame must render in less than .03 seconds. We've tried just about every fur technique available for the Unity game engine, and in this video I demonstrate the one we've chosen. As you'll see, there is a fine line between fluffy and ridiculous. We're using this same method on the mule deer, though their fur is so short that the effect is especially nice.

We know a lot of our players are artists and animators -- and perhaps future game developers as well -- so we hope you enjoy this video. Let us know if you are interested in seeing more like this!

[Rifka]

This is really cool! I'd personally love to see more "behind-the-scenes" videos about WolfQuest.
Also, is that your voice?

[loboLoco]

Also, is that your voice?

Alas.

[duskypack]

Great tutorial! I found it really interesting and it was neat to see some behind-the-scenes on Wolfquest.

[Koa]

Can you please narrate my life?
Also, this video is excellent. I'm watching it now. Thanks, Dave!

(New wolf looks great, by the way.)

[SilkenGalaxy]

I really enjoyed watching this video! I love behind the scenes stuff, it gives a really good idea as to how it all comes together!

Also, your voice is nice Dave, really relaxing and calm...

[SolitaryHowl]

Wonderful video. Thanks for sharing.
I'd be interested in seeing more behind-the-scenes stuff.

There is a fine line between fluffy and ridiculous.

To prove that point, I wanted to post that picture in one of the 2.7.0 betas where the wolf fur was so puffed up you couldn't see its eyes, but alas...I can't find it.

EDIT: Found it on Trello. Not sure if I should post...its a little disturbing, haha.

[loboLoco]

Found it on Trello. Not sure if I should post...its a little disturbing, haha.

I don't recall that particular problem (there were so many), but sure, let's see it.

[SolitaryHowl]

Found it on Trello. Not sure if I should post...its a little disturbing, haha.

I don't recall that particular problem (there were so many), but sure, let's see it.

I can't attach images (I guess I don't have the proper permissions), but here's the link to it:



IIRC, it was only like this for 2 of the fur textures, and there was apparently a problem with the height maps (the nose is furry too).

[paperpaws]

Have to agree about Dave's voice being really nice.

Really love the video as well, obviously! Loved seeing the big fluffy mess, heh.

[loboLoco]

IIRC, it was only like this for 2 of the fur textures, and there was apparently a problem with the height maps (the nose is furry too).

Right. The learning curve for fur heightmaps is pretty short, but you gotta start somewhere.

[Neamara]

Very interesting... Thank you for taking the time to do this Dave, behind-the-scenes stuff is always an interesting topic.

The 0:50 mark of that video had me thinking you'd turned it into a Shih Tzu or maybe even an Old English Sheepdog. :')

http://imgur.com/a/GvLFz

Lol. Disturbing? That was the best one though! He's just napping. On his feet. With one eye open.

[Sunset-Light]

...wow. That's cool. Looks complicated. Thanks for sharing the video!


After 10 years we finally hear Dave's voice

[Isela]

Thank you for sharing this, Dave! I've always been intrigued about all the work that goes into animating. It's very interesting, and of course I wouldn't be opposed to seeing more behind-the-scenes work! ;]

[psy]

Dave has such a pleasant voice, great for narration.

Quite an interesting video! Like the rest, I'd like to see more behind-the-scenes clips if possible; it really gives an insight on what the developers have to deal with when designing WolfQuest.