3D Body Scanning - Custom Characters

[jbruno]

Hello, I am a researcher from the University of Texas, and I am looking at the possibility of bringing new 3d scanning technology to video games. More specifically, recent developments allow for a complete 3d body scan in about 7 seconds. We would like to combine this technology with software to allow gamers the ability to import a perfect 3d image of themselves into the video game of their choice. Recent research has shown that most consumers would prefer a 3d facial model instead of a full body scan. Is this something that would interest you? In which games? If so, how much would you pay to be able to use this technology (i.e. $10/month, $100 flat rate, etc.)?

Josh Bruno

[discombobulate]

I wouldn't pay anything to make use of a full body scan, or facial scan, to be honest. Can't you do a facial scan with Vegas and other things on the 360? They've got that camera, I thought you could do it there for free (well, other than purchasing the camera obviosuly).

A full body model of me in a video game? Sure, it would be cool, but I'm not that into it that I'd ever pay to see myself in a game. If I was supposed to be a charcter in a game, I would be, I wouldn't need to add myself as an aftermarket accessory.

[OME6A]

Hi Josh, thanks for reaching out to us on this.

This seems like a fantastic idea, though I wonder how expensive the equipment would be. I've read about the use of 3D body scans for various things from movies (Pirates of the Caribbean 2 & 3), to action figures and even clothing design. I think it's an exciting technology, but it's not really something we'd be able to have in our own homes, is it?

I could see having a scanning booth at a local video game store, and if you had a partnership with Sony and Microsoft, you could easily link the scan data to the customer's accounts with either services.

Back to your questions.

This is something that would interest me, for nearly any game where you're playing as a human character, but I don't think it would interest everyone. I can definitely see an interest among the majority for a head scan, but there're probably a lot of people out there that don't want their body digitized for all to see.

Just think of the obesity problem that's prevalent here in the USA. I doubt a lot of people would want this because it would then expose them to ridicule in an environment that allows a certain amount of anonymity, as well as it potentially putting them at a disadvantage in some games. Personally I play a lot of "shooter" games and in those types of games, the bigger a target is, the easier it is to hit. Larger people would potentially be at a disadvantage when compared to leaner people, because they'd present a larger target. Additionally, think of how this could effect sports games.

Lastly, there's the freedom of creating a character that potentially could be lost. Games like Mass Effect, Rainbow Six Vegas, the upcoming Socom Confrontation and the upcoming Saints Row 2 all have very indepth character creation systems. These systems add an entirely new dynamic to the games in that you have the freedom to play as any type of character. For instance, I modeled my Mass Effect character after my wife out of humor, while my Rainbow Six Vegas character resembled Snake Eyes from G.I. Joe.

I do think this is very exciting technology that will probably play a key role in the future of gaming. I also think that if you could tie the data to a user's account with Xbox Live, or the Playstation Network so that it could be used in multiple games, as well as developers leaving the option for players to create their own characters, we would all benefit.

Personally, a service like this would be worth $20 for a scan that I can use in as many games as I want, and maybe a $5 fee per account the data is linked to. I don't see this as being a subscription service.

Edit: Bob, R6V used the camera to slap a picture of your face ontop of the generic head. It was a good concept, but the results were iffy.

[Libertine]

Remember that movie "Lawnmower Man" ?

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[BoyEngland]

I wouldn't mind seeing myself in some games, the idea of me being able to go around shooting terrorists from the safety of my bedroom sounds quite cool, but I wouldn't be paying 100's of GBP/$ to do so.

As Bob said, some game let you "scan" yourself using the cameras available for the consoles, and the PS Eye will definitely make this a possibility for the PS3 once they get it properly going.

If I could go to a place, get a full body scan, pay maybe 20GBP for it, stick my 3D model on a USB drive, and use it in every game then yes. But I don't feel like standing in a giant scanning system every time I get a new game.

[Jimdalf]

As Omega said, size would be a problem... I'm 6"5, and don't relish the prospect of getting killed repeatedly by an army of midgets that I can't lean down far enough to kill. Being in decent physical condition is part of my job, I actually get paid more when at peak fitness, and it would be grossly unfair to put my body against acne ridden teenagers or chain smoking forty year olds.

And I may come across a little weird here, but I generally prefer to play as a female character. My rationale is that if I gotta look at someone's rear end it may as well be a girl's, you know? I have no desire to be faced with my own arse in a game. No man should be forced to endure that.

I'm also quite flamboyant in games. I wear things I wouldn't be seen dead wearing in reality, like the pink camoflague pattern in R6V... a virtual me would also shoot himself before putting on rags of that colour.

I'm also pug ugly. So I have no interest in having any part of my body being broadcast over the internet. A reasonably hot chick in hot pink combat gear will do me just fine.

But maybe if you have a few cool tattoos you might want them in a game.

P.S I am not a big gay giant.

[OME6A]

Originally Posted by Jimdalf

P.S I am not a big gay giant.

Quote of the year right there.

Good point about playing as a female character. It makes perfect sense actually.