Many are the technological techniques that have been developed for
several industries. One of them is the motion capture. This process, also known
as “mocap” consists of recording the movement of an object or people; this
recording is used later to create digital versions of what was recorded. Film, animation
and games industry are pioneers using this technique—although it is a very
useful tool in sports, medicine, robotics, even in military issues.
During last 3 years, a video game developer, Ubisoft, has used this technological tool in an “unusual” way:
record movements for you to follow them. In 2009 a new game for the Wii was
released by this French developer. The game named Just Dance consists of mimic a silhouette of a dancer, which is
created through motion capture, using the standard Wii remote. This game
featured a wide range of very-known songs, each one with a different
choreography. This, combined with the benefits of an active and “healthy” game,
made the game a complete success; in fact, there are 2 sequels already released
and a fourth one coming in October.
This revolutionary idea was achieved thanks to LiveMove, software used specifically for Wii games whose special
characteristic is that it can record very fast dance steps and movements
without losing the quality of the motion—other techniques create motions that
look too “computerized”. Because of this, imitating the steps involves less effort
and players feel more comfortable playing the game.
Motion capture in video games industry is, perhaps, making a change
developing games that may contribute to health rather than only entertaining. Could
you as gamers prefer these games instead of the ordinary ones? You can check
the link below (a video from a song of Just
Dance 3) and think about it.
