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FaceRig, First Impressions
11 years ago
General
If you haven't heard of the software called FaceRig, it's a facial tracking program that then interprets facial movements and tries to replicate it through a CGI character. There are 16 different characters built-in, including a red panda, doge, a couple elves, a burger, a character that looks like he's from Unreal Tournament, and a few others. I couldn't perform a really good, comprehensive test of the software due to the fact that I don't have a webcam on my Windows computer, and this software heavily relies on a webcam. My laptop has a webcam, but due to it being a Mac means that it can't run FaceRig. However, it does have the ability to import video and use that for tracking, which is what I did.
First issue, the program only allows for AVI files to be imported. This is probably due to licensing problems as you have to pay royalties to use MOV or MP4, but you don't need it for OGG because it's an open format. AVI is on the decline because it's incredibly lossy and ancient tech. OGG is free and is widely used with HTML5 and much better than AVI. Maybe they're planning on using it later since you have to install an OGG codec when you first start up FaceRig (most likely for the streaming software).
Second issue, using an imported AVI became choppy. Now, I can't completely blame the software for this because I think it's the AVI converter I used, which was really crappy.
Third issue, no exporting options. Obviously it says not available "right now", but that should be a feature they strive to implement as soon as possible. Otherwise, I'll have to rely on something like OBS to record what's happening and get yet another lossy video.
Fourth issue, no instructions on how to make your own character assets. Personally, I want to use this with Oswald, but there are no tutorials or how-to's about making your own assets for the program, even from the developer.
Takeaway: It's not bad software, but it needs a better manual or an SDK for content developers, as well as additional support for importing videos. While it's still in development, we'll be able to see how they improve the platform.
First issue, the program only allows for AVI files to be imported. This is probably due to licensing problems as you have to pay royalties to use MOV or MP4, but you don't need it for OGG because it's an open format. AVI is on the decline because it's incredibly lossy and ancient tech. OGG is free and is widely used with HTML5 and much better than AVI. Maybe they're planning on using it later since you have to install an OGG codec when you first start up FaceRig (most likely for the streaming software).
Second issue, using an imported AVI became choppy. Now, I can't completely blame the software for this because I think it's the AVI converter I used, which was really crappy.
Third issue, no exporting options. Obviously it says not available "right now", but that should be a feature they strive to implement as soon as possible. Otherwise, I'll have to rely on something like OBS to record what's happening and get yet another lossy video.
Fourth issue, no instructions on how to make your own character assets. Personally, I want to use this with Oswald, but there are no tutorials or how-to's about making your own assets for the program, even from the developer.
Takeaway: It's not bad software, but it needs a better manual or an SDK for content developers, as well as additional support for importing videos. While it's still in development, we'll be able to see how they improve the platform.
