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Reallusion Unveils Character Creator 5

Reallusion is making waves in the world of 3D character creation with the announcement of Character Creator 5 (CC5), scheduled for launch in the summer of 2025. This remarkable upgrade is set to elevate real-time character creation, and it comes packed with new features, including high-definition character bases with subdivision support, enhanced shaders, and an advanced facial animation system.

One of the standout features of CC5 is the Auto Setup tool, designed to simplify integration into popular platforms like Maya and Marmoset Toolbag. This tool aims to enhance workflow efficiency for artists and animators across various industries. By streamlining processes, Reallusion hopes to make character creation more accessible and fluid for artists.

CC5's Enhancement Highlights

Since its inception in 2015, the Character Creator series has garnered acclaim in the 3D modeling community, solidifying itself as a powerhouse in character creation tools. With CC5, Reallusion aims to build upon this legacy. The new version promises to offer 16 times more mesh detail than its predecessor, CC4, alongside two additional subdivision levels. This allows for greater flexibility and detail in character creation, making it particularly beneficial for close-up shots in film and television.

For those focused on game development or applications requiring lower mesh density, CC5’s features allow easy adjustments to suit specific needs while ensuring high visual quality remains intact. This is achieved via automated texture preservation, even at lower polygon counts. The introduction of an HD Morph system revitalizes legacy characters and accommodates the morphing of intricate anatomical features, ideal for advanced use cases such as 3D printing.

For artists using ZBrush, the new GoZ plugin provides seamless one-to-one subdivision transfers, enhancing a non-destructive workflow that benefits sculpting and animation processes. Additionally, CC5 boasts an enhanced eye structure with high-res tear ducts and a refined shader system that supports photorealistic results, making it easier to create lifelike characters.

True Realism in Character Design

Significant advancements have also been made in skin shading; CC5 supports cavity maps, which help emphasize detailed features, like pores and wrinkles, adding depth to character designs. For the first time, CC5 introduces full displacement map support, allowing for more intricate sculpted details that retain their realism in real-time edits. This positions CC5 not just as a tool, but as a comprehensive hub that interacts seamlessly with third-party applications like Blender and Maya.

Next-Level Facial Animation

Understanding the importance of facial expressions in storytelling, CC5 integrates a next-gen HD Expression Profile. This new feature amplifies the ability for artists to capture nuanced micro-expressions, essential for conveying a character's emotional depth effectively. By implementing a Constraint System, CC5 ensures that the animations remain anatomically sensible, reducing distortions and preserving the integrity of facial structures.

Moreover, the revamped animation capabilities enable artists to create non-linear facial movements. Advanced curve-based animations and mesh elasticity provide greater control over expressions, enhancing storytelling.

Expanded Workflow Integration

The upcoming CC5 also includes enhanced integration capabilities for major software like Maya and Marmoset, allowing quick setups that previously took more time to establish. With just a few clicks, users can import CC5 characters into these platforms without needing extensive manual adjustments. Additionally, CC5's support for Unreal Engine and Blender will be updated alongside its launch, ensuring comprehensive compatibility with the new features introduced.

Part of Reallusion’s mission is to foster integration across the industry by gradually rolling out more pipeline features that cater to diverse artist needs.

A Launch to Remember

To celebrate the upcoming CC5 release, Reallusion is offering an exclusive prelaunch promotion. Customers who spend $399 or more on a single order from the Official Reallusion Software or Content Store between now and CC5's launch will receive the software for free upon its release. The first 1,000 eligible consumers will also earn bonus points for future purchases, solidifying their investment in Reallusion’s ecosystem.

In conclusion, CC5 is poised to redefine the landscape of 3D character creation, empowering artists with cutting-edge tools for unrealized creative potential. With a commitment to providing superior character customization and extreme visual fidelity, Reallusion aims to make high-level character creation approachable for everyone in the animation and gaming industries.

To keep pace with Reallusion’s innovative trajectory, watch closely as they unveil more details leading up to the exciting launch of Character Creator 5 in Summer 2025!