Research & Development
Our goal was to push the boundaries of character realism by simulating how muscles behave under different conditions flexing, stretching, and contracting and integrating them seamlessly with skeletal animation.
Muscle Rig Setup
We began by creating a custom muscle rig tailored to the character’s anatomy. Each major muscle group was designed to respond dynamically, rather than relying on static shape keys. This allowed us to capture the subtle bulges and contractions that occur during movement.
Secondary Motion Simulation
Beyond the base rig, we added physics driven secondary motion, ensuring muscles responded naturally under stress such as when bending, lifting, or stretching. This layer of realism added weight and believability to the animation, preventing stiffness in character performance.
Skin & Muscle Interaction
To ensure a smooth result, we worked on blending muscle deformation with the character’s skin and skeleton. By fine tuning how the skin wrapped and stretched over the muscle simulation, we created a more natural look that closely mirrors real anatomy.
Real-Time Application
This system not only enhances high-quality cinematics but is also optimized to adapt for real-time workflows. By carefully balancing performance with detail, our setup can be applied to both pre-rendered shots and interactive experiences.
